Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Affirmative Litigation Division

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 88,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chicago, Department of Law, Affimative Litigation Division seeks an Assistant Corporation Counsel III to join its ALD, which investigates misconduct and files litigation to protect the City's interests.

Ideal candidates have litigation experience, strong academic record, excellent written and verbal skills, initiative, organization, teamwork, and a commitment to public service. Residence in Chicago is preferred.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from ABA-accredited law school.
• Illinois Bar admission or eligible on motion (Rule 705).
• Good standing with ARDC.

Skills

Litigation experience

Academic achievement

Communication skills

Initiative

Workflow management

Team collaboration

Public service mindset

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Illinois Bar admission or eligible on motion (Rule 705)

Job description

Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Affimative Litigation Division

The City of Chicago's Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III ("ACC") to work in its Affimative Litigation Division ("ALD").

ALD investigates alleged misconduct and files litigation to protect the interests of the City and its residents under the City's consumer-protection ordinance and other laws. For example, ALD has sued (a) fossil-fuel companies for misrepresenting the effects of their products on the climate, (b) a gun manufacturer for selling firearms that can easily be converted into machine guns, (c) companies that engaged in a deceptive scheme to lease homes to low-income residents on a rent-to-own basis, (d) a law firm and related business that run a fraudulent debt-resolution program that preys on Chicagoans struggling with debt, and (e) vaping businesses for marketing and selling their products to kids. ALD also files lawsuits and amicus briefs in connection with actions by the federal government that affect the City. For instance, ALD sued the federal government for (a) freezing funding for counterterrorism, migrant shelters, and other City programs, (b) attempting to eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs, (c) undermining the Affordable Care Act, and (d) disqualifying disfavored employers from participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Finally, ALD represents the City in qui tam litigation alleging that businesses submitted false claims to the City.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ideal candidates will possess:

• at least one year of litigation experience in one or more of the following areas: drafting pleadings and other court documents, drafting substantive motions, arguing substantive motions, taking or defending depositions, handling evidentiary hearings, assisting in jury or bench trials, or clerking for a state or federal court judge;
• superior academic achievement;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• ability to take initiative and assume responsibility for assigned tasks;
• ability to organize, prioritize, monitor, and control workflow to meet deadlines;
• ability to work well with colleagues, client department representatives, and others; and
• commitment to public service.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree, admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligible for admission on motion to the Illinois Bar pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705)
• Good standing with your state Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission.

Disclaimer - "Accredited" means any American law school that has passed and maintains the requirements of accreditation by the American Bar Association ( www.americanbar.org ).

Mandatory Submission Terms

You must submit an on-line application by October 7, 2026:

Salary: $88,272.00 - $154,044.00 (salary is based on a variety of factors including experience and credentials)

Click to view our generous benefits package

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf

NOTE REGARDING PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: Working for the City of Chicago Department of Law may qualify you for loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For detailed information, visit www.StudentAid.gov/publicservice or contact your federal loan servicer.

Selection Requirements

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

Evaluation

Your initial evaluation will be based on the documents submitted. Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second party applications will be accepted.

Fair Chance Hiring Employer

The City of Chicago is committed to being a Fair Chance Hiring employer. We value applicants with diverse experiences, including those who have had prior contact with the criminal legal system. Having a criminal history, including prior incarceration, arrest(s), and/or conviction(s) does not automatically disqualify you from employment with the City of Chicago.

Residency Requirement: All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City of Chicago as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.

Reasonable Accommodation: If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy in order to participate in the application process, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources, at 312-744-4976 or [e-mail]. Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer. To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson

Mayor