Supervising, Senior Asst General Counsel - Litigation

Chicago Housing Authority; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Remote work after probation

Pension Plan

Paid time off

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(a)/457 Employer match

Job summary

Chicago Housing Authority is seeking a seasoned Counsel to protect CHA’s legal interests, lead litigation, and advise on housing policy. The role requires mentoring staff, managing cases, and handling HCV-related matters across state, federal, and administrative arenas.

Qualified candidates will have a JD, Illinois bar admission, and at least ten years of litigation experience with strong writing and advocacy skills, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and Illinois bar in good standing.
• 10+ years of litigation experience including briefs, motions, and oral advocacy.
• Ability to supervise and mentor attorneys and staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and trial counsel in state, federal, and administrative forums.
• Supervise attorneys and non-attorney staff in HCV litigation and hearings; train and review work.
• Advise CHA departments on compliance with policies, rules, and law.
• Assist Deputy General Counsel in managing matters including HCV litigation.
• Prepare required reports and support strategic goals of the OGC.

Skills

Litigation experience

Oral advocacy

Legal writing

Client counseling

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

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 in administrative hearings, will provide advice to client departments, and will perform supervisory duties, including providing advice, managing cases, personnel, and legal matters involving the CHA’s Housing Choice Voucher(“HCV”) program.

We are seeking a service-oriented leader with a strong litigation background (federal and/or state court), a growth mindset, willingness to work hard to learn and meet CHA’s HCV-related legal needs, and strong interpersonal and written advocacy skills.

Based on the CHA’s needs and counsel’s experience, representative cases and assignments may include, but are not limited to: HCV matters and related litigation, fair housing and related litigation in federal/state courts and administrative agencies, writs and administrative hearings, commercial litigation, and torts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Handling all aspects of litigation and serving as lead and trial counsel in state and federal court, and in administrative forums. This role requires the supervisor to handle a case load.
• Supervising attorneys and non-attorney personnel in the handling of HCV administrative hearings and litigation, including but not limited to providing training and reviewing work product. Co-supervising the legal department’s year-round internship program.
• 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 counsel as needed related to federal and state law, housing related regulations, CHA policies, and municipal ordinances.
• Advising client departments on how to achieve goals in compliance with applicable policies, rules, and law.
• Assisting the Deputy General Counsel and other members of the Office of General Counsel or client departments as needed, including by preparing required reports.
• Assisting the Deputy General Counsel in managing matters and litigation in one or more substantive areas (e.g., the HCV program), including, but not limited to, by supervising attorneys, reviewing attorney work-product, and providing guidance.
• Perform additional duties as needed to meet CHA and departmental needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Juris Doctor degree, admission to the Illinois bar and in good standing, currently licensed to practice in federal courts and a minimum of ten (10) years of litigation experience, including writing briefs, motions, and engaging in oral advocacy. Candidate must also possess the work ethic/growth mindset needed to learn new substantive areas to serve CHA’s needs (e.g., HCV related litigation) and grow professionally.

Further requirements consist of the following: integrity, strong work ethic, sound judgment, strong writing and communication skills, strong analytical and client service skills, ability to work cooperatively with supervisors/colleagues/diverse client departments, and the growth mindset needed 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 will need to work additional hours, as needed, depending on applicable deadlines and client-service needs. At this time, after a probationary period, this position is eligible for one day of telework per week, subject to change as determined by the business needs of the team, department, or client, and eligibility occurs after successful completion of new hire 90-day probation period.

BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE

• Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO package
• Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Parking Transit
• Prepaid Legal Services
• Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan
• Identity Theft Protection
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match
• Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
• Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA’s established policies and procedures.

Grade: S10

FLSA: Exempt

Union: None