Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Torts Division

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 88,272 - 154,044; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chicago Law Department seeks an Assistant Corporation Counsel III for its Torts Division. This role emphasizes active civil defense litigation, including discovery, motions, and trial preparation. The attorney may handle personal injury or medical malpractice defense based on division needs.

The position requires strong research, writing, and communication skills, and a proven ability to manage deadlines. Leadership and teamwork are essential in a fast-paced public-sector environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from ABA-accredited law school.
• Active Illinois Bar admission in good standing.
• Experience in civil defense litigation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage in discovery, motions, and trial preparation for civil defense cases.
• Appear at hearings and jury trials; participate in settlement negotiations.
• Retain and depose experts; manage case deadlines and workload.
• Collaborate with team and advise on legal strategy.

Skills

Litigation and trial work

Medical damages

Effective communication

Legal research and writing

Initiative and leadership

Workflow and deadline management

Education

Juris Doctor degree (ABA-accredited)

Admission to Illinois Bar in good standing

Job description

Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Torts Division

Job Number: 419006

Job Description

The City of Chicago Law Department is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel in its Torts Division. Attorneys in the Torts Division have an active civil defense litigation and trial practice. Torts attorneys engage in discovery and motion practice, retain and de‑pose medical and other experts, engage in hearings and jury trials, and make recommendations and participate in settlement negotiations.

The Assistant Corporation Counsel’s work will be in either the personal injury defense or medical malpractice defense division, depending on the experience and interests of the applicant and the current needs of the Division.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Interest and/or experience in litigation and trial work
• Interest and/or experience in medical damages
• Effective communication skills
• Demonstrated strength in legal research and writing
• Self‑starter with the ability to take initiative as demonstrated by past achievements and leadership
• Ability to work well with others and manage workflow and deadlines

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 state Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission

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

Benefits We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement planning and paid time off.

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. A criminal history 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 the Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.

Reasonable Accommodation If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy 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 request.

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 ordinances 2‑74‑020 and 2‑74‑075.