Senior Assistant General Counsel - Litigation

Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff seeks an experienced counsel to support the Chicago Housing Authority in litigations and advisory matters. The role emphasizes handling personal injury and eviction-related litigation, providing guidance to CHA departments to protect its interests.

The attorney will lead state and federal court matters, conduct legal research, advise on regulations, and collaborate with the Office of General Counsel. A strong litigation background and integrity are essential.

Qualifications

• This position requires a Juris Doctor degree and admission to the Illinois bar in good standing.
• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight (8) years of substantial litigation experience, including personal injury and immunities where appropriate.
• Experience litigating in federal court is a plus.
• Strong skills in written advocacy, discovery (including expert discovery), and trial advocacy; proficient with Excel, Adobe, and related software.
• Integrity, strong work ethic, communication, analytical and client service skills, sound judgment, and a growth mindset.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of litigation and serve as lead and trial counsel in state and federal court and in administrative forums.
• Evaluate disputes in the pre-litigation stage to determine the best course of action.
• Provide research, analysis, and recommendations on housing regulations, CHA policies, federal and state law, and municipal ordinances.
• Advise client departments on how to achieve goals in compliance with policies and laws; lead related initiatives as needed.
• Assist the Deputy General Counsel and other members of the Office of General Counsel or client departments with reports and diverse matters.

Skills

Litigation experience

Written advocacy

Discovery

Trial advocacy

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Illinois bar admission

Tools

Excel

Adobe

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Counsel will help the Chicago Housing Authority(“CHA”) achieve its mission and goals, primarily by protecting its legal interests. Counsel will represent the CHA in matters litigated in state and federal courts and administrative hearings and will provide advice to client departments. Based on CHA’s needs, representative cases and assignments may include, but are not limited to, the following: personal injury litigation, eviction matters and litigation, administrative hearings and administrative review proceedings, as well as other substantive areas relevant to our practice, as needed, to advance CHA’s interests and goals. Counsel will bring solid litigation experience, a strong skill set and work ethic, a growth mindset, and the ability to work well with others.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Handling all aspects of litigation and related duties, and serving as lead and trial counsel in
  state and federal court, and in administrative forums.
• Evaluating disputes in the pre-litigation stage to determine appropriate course of action
  that fairly balances competing interests and facilitates favorable resolution.
• Providing research, analysis, and recommendations on housing related regulations, CHA
  policies, federal and state law, and municipal ordinances.
• Advising client departments on how to achieve goals in compliance with applicable policies,
  rules, and law, and leading such initiatives as needed.
• Assisting the Deputy General Counsel and other members of the Office of General Counsel
  or client departments as needed, including by preparing required reports.
• Handling a diverse range of matters as needed, and making the good faith effort needed to
  develop the requisite depth of skills, knowledge, and commitment to CHA.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Juris Doctor degree, admission to the Illinois bar and good standing. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight (8) years of substantial litigation experience in one of more areas of need for CHA, e.g., strong experience with personal injury cases and invoking immunities where appropriate. Experience litigating in federal court is a plus.
The ideal candidate will have strong skills in written advocacy, discovery (including expert discovery), trial advocacy, and be proficient in the use of technology to manage case-related responsibilities (e.g., Excel, Adobe, and other software designed to enhance productivity).
Our team is seeking an attorney who will bring integrity; a strong work ethic; strong communication, analytical, and client service skills; sound judgment; a growth mindset; the ability to work cooperatively with supervisors/colleagues/diverse client departments; and a willingness and perseverance to learn new substantive areas and skills.
This is a full-time position with an anticipated work schedule of Mon-Fri, 8:30a - 5:00p. As a professional, the attorney may need to work additional hours, as needed, depending on applicable deadlines and responsibilities.
Salary Range: $140,000 – 145,000