Assistant General Counsel, School Law

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 115,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Competitive paid time off policies

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to work within the School Law Unit. This role involves advising school-based administrators on policy and school law matters, preparing due process hearings, and conducting training for administrators.

The successful candidate will hold a Juris Doctorate and be licensed to practice law in Illinois, with strong legal advocacy skills and at least one year of legal experience. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year legal experience, three years preferred.
• Litigation or administrative hearing experience is preferred.
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Advise on policy and law matters related to education.
• Prepare and conduct due process hearings.
• Conduct training for school administrators.
• Assist with special projects related to cross-functional work.

Skills

Exceptional advocacy skills

Analytical skills

Oral and written communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Job Summary

The Assistant General Counsel will join the School Law Unit within the CPS Law Office. This position will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy General Counsel and will be responsible for advising school-based administrators on policy and school law matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Board of Education and school-based staff on Board rules, policies and statutes related to school law, including enrollment and transfer, student privacy, student discipline, charter schools, special education concerns, custody issues, and school climate matters.
• Prepare and conduct due process hearings for school restructuring, enrollment fraud, and local school council eligibility.
• Conduct training for school administrators on school law related topics.
• Assist the School Law Deputy General Counsel with special projects related to cross‑functional work and new initiatives.

Qualifications

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Assistant General Counsel must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and authorized to practice law in the state of Illinois.

Type of Experience and Number of Years

• Minimum of one (1) year legal experience; three (3) years of experience, preferred.
• Litigation or administrative hearing experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional advocacy, analytical, oral and written communication skills.
• Motivated, dynamic, team‑oriented, individual with the ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment to resolve issues and make effective decisions.
• Capable of working both independently and collaboratively in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership and solve problems.
• Able to expeditiously assess issues and provide sound legal advice.

Benefits

The following benefits are provided:

• Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program
• Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance
• Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
• Competitive paid time off policies

Location

Central-42 West Madison Street (Law Office)

Salary

87,000.00 – 115,500.00 per year.

Position Type

Non-Union Position, Exempt, Full-time, Salary based.

Eligibility Requirement

Employees are required to establish/maintain Chicago residency within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment.