Counsel

TITLE: Counsel (Litigation)  

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Under general supervision, Counsel (Litigation) performs legal duties for the Park District Law Department and represents the Park District at administrative hearings and court proceedings on various legal matters and performs related duties as required or assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: 

• Represents the Chicago Park District in legal matters including but not limited to: labor matters, labor union negotiations, employment matters, personal injury, property damage, contract disputes, public accommodation, workers’ compensation, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) matters.
• Participates in all stages of litigation including investigation, written discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeals. 
• May also engage in affirmative litigation, such as filing petitions for workplace orders of protection to protect the well-being of park staff and the general public. 
• Performs legal research and drafts legal documents such as agreements, contracts, pleadings, motions, briefs, case reports, abstracts, letters of opinion, and memoranda. 
• Responds to legal inquiries from various Park District Departments. 
• Supervises paralegals and support staff as necessary. 
• Maintains legal records and prepares required reports. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

Law Degree conferred by an American Bar Association accredited college or university supplemented by a minimum of two years of progressively responsible legal experience in two or more of the following areas: administrative or municipal law, personal injury, civil rights, contracts, environmental law, employment law, labor (union) law including employee discipline and grievance arbitration, litigation, real estate or worker’s compensation. 

License Requirement: Must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Illinois.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Admission to the General Bar for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is desirable.
• Experience handling multiple stages of litigation, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, arbitrations, mediation, and trials.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of litigation practices and procedures, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, arbitrations, mediation, and trial.  
• Demonstrated proficiency in legal research, analysis and writing.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, monitor case progress, and meet applicable deadlines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

General work area is indoors with controlled temperature and LED or fluorescent lighting. Requires sitting for extended periods of time; standing; travel to/from and attendance at court, depositions, and meetings; and visual acumen and manual dexterity for working with computers, documents, and office equipment. Requires physical handling of legal documents and equipment. Performs tasks that involve use of hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, standing, kneeling, climbing, reaching and sitting. May perform lifting tasks up to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Salary: Estimated salary range $91,000-$96,597.07. Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate. 

Work Location: 4830 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL, 60609. (The Park District’s telecommuting policy allows for up to two days of remote work per workweek.)

Application materials: Submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of three (3) professional references.

Career Service: Exempt                              EEO: Professional                          FLSA:  Exempt