Assistant Corporation Counsel III (Reversed-Convictions) - Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated attorney for the role of Assistant Corporation Counsel III. This position focuses on defending against civil rights violations and wrongful convictions. The ideal candidate will possess strong civil litigation experience, excellent research and writing skills, and a commitment to public service. You will work closely with experienced attorneys, assisting in complex cases that require thorough legal analysis and strategic planning. Join a team that values diverse experiences and is committed to fair hiring practices while making a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Experience in federal civil litigation and legal research is essential.
• Strong writing and editing skills are required for pleadings and motions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in civil rights litigation, including pleadings and trial preparation.
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategies.

Skills

Federal civil litigation experience

Legal research

Writing and editing pleadings

Taking or defending depositions

Participating in evidentiary hearings

Organizational skills

Judgment

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Job Description - Assistant Corporation Counsel III (Reversed-Convictions) - Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division (411657)

Job Number:

411657

The City of Chicago’s Law Department is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III (ACC) for the Reversed-Conviction Section in the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division.

The Division defends alleged civil rights violations or state law liability claims based on allegations of police misconduct or abuse of authority in both federal and state courts. The Reversed-Conviction Section is responsible for cases in which plaintiffs bring federal and state law claims alleging police misconduct resulted in their wrongful conviction. An ACC in this section must have experience in civil litigation in federal court and excellent research and writing skills. They will work under the supervision of the Deputy and Chief in the Reversed-Conviction Section. This ACC will assist outside counsel in all aspects of civil rights litigation, pleadings through trial. Most of these cases are complex and require intensive discovery and motion practice that will require the ACC’s assistance. This ACC will assist in reporting and data collection and monitoring trials and other court proceedings. This ACC position will involve a great amount of research, writing, editing, and developing litigation strategy. This ACC may also have occasional opportunities to assist in in-house litigation and represent clients directly.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Federal civil litigation experience, including one or more of the following areas: conducting in-depth legal research, writing and editing pleadings, motions and other court filings, taking or defending depositions, participating in evidentiary hearings, assisting in jury or bench trials, or clerking for a judge;
• Superior writing, research, and editing skills;
• Excellent judgment;
• Proficient in typical litigation technology and software such as Microsoft Office products and Adobe Acrobat;
• Exceptional organizational skills;
• The ability to work well with others;
• The ability to exhibit initiative on assigned tasks;
• The ability to organize, prioritize, monitor, and control workflow deadlines;
• 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.

Application Process and Materials

You must submit an on-line application by March 19, 2025:

• Cover letter that (1) includes the position title and job number as noted on the posting; (2) specifically identifies how you meet the minimum qualifications and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below; and (3) explains why you are interested in this position, including why you want to work in the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division’s reversed-conviction section.
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (official or unofficial);
• Two writing samples;
• Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website (or your admitted state bar's equivalent including your state Public Record of Discipline and Pending Proceedings).

Salary: $83,208 - $145,200 (salary is based on a variety of factors including experience and credentials)

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.

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.

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.