Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Special Federal Litigation Division

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

Job summary

The City of Chicago's Law Department seeks an Assistant Corporation Counsel III for the Special Federal Litigation Division. The role involves defending civil rights and police misconduct claims in federal and state courts, with extensive motion practice, discovery, and trial work under supervision.

The ACC III will join a committed, public-service oriented team serving the City of Chicago. Qualified candidates must be admitted to the Illinois Bar and in good standing, with strong writing,

Qualifications

• Admitted to Illinois Bar or eligible for admission on motion per Rule 705.
• In good standing with ARDC.
• Experience in civil rights or police misconduct litigation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Defend civil rights and police misconduct claims in federal and state courts.
• Handle extensive motion practice and discovery.
• Counsel clients and coordinate with supervisors in the Special Federal Litigation Division.

Skills

Litigation

Writing skills

Communication

Counseling clients

Organization

Teamwork

Initiative

Deadline management

Public service

Education

Admission to Illinois Bar

ARDC good standing

Job description

Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Special Federal Litigation Division

Job Number: 420257

The City of Chicago's Law Department is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III (ACC) in the Special Federal Litigation (SFL) 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 Division defends sworn and civilian police personnel against allegations such as false arrest and excessive force, among other things, and also defends the City of Chicago in cases involving Monell policy claims. ACCs must have sophisticated and complex litigation skills involving extensive motion practice, client counseling, intensive fact and expert discovery, and trial practice in lower exposure cases. They work under the supervision of the Supervisors, Chief, and Deputy of SFL. They will be joining a hardworking, sharp team of litigators dedicated to public service to the City of Chicago.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 writing, research, and editing skills;
• Superior communication skills (written/verbal);
• Experience counseling and advising clients;
• 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; and
• Commitment to public service.

Qualifications

• 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 ).

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

Pay Basis: Yearly

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

Job Posting: Aug 6, 2026, 7:09:39 PM

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Aug 27, 2026, 4:59:00 AM