Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor (Reversed-Conviction) - Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division

The City of Chicago’s Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor for the Reversed-Conviction Section of the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division.

The Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division defends sworn and civilian police personnel and the City of Chicago in federal and state lawsuits concerning alleged civil rights violations or state law liability claims based on allegations of police misconduct or abuse of authority. The Reversed-Conviction Section specifically defends against those suits in which plaintiffs allege that they were wrongfully convicted. Nearly all the suits handled by the Reversed-Conviction Section are brought in federal court. This is a unique and dynamic position that will present opportunities to address some of the most significant litigation matters handled by the Department of Law. These cases are sophisticated and complex, involving extensive fact investigation, motion practice, intensive discovery, settlement negotiations, and trial practice that will require support and close supervision of trial counsel. The Supervising Assistant Corporation Counsel will be required to perform a great amount of research, writing, and editing, and assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures, in case management and reporting duties, as well as other work necessitated by the litigation of reversed-conviction cases. An Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor in this Section must have extensive experience in civil litigation in federal court and excellent research and writing skills. They will work under the supervision of the Deputy and Chief in the Reversed-Conviction Section, and supervise outside counsel through all aspects of litigation and, occasionally, will handle their own caseload and supervise Assistant Corporation Counsel litigating reversed-conviction cases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• Five (5) years of legal experience as a licensed attorney;
• Federal civil litigation experience, including one or more of the following areas: conducting in-depth legal research, writing and editing pleadings, motions and other court filings, taking or defending depositions, participating in evidentiary hearings, assisting in jury or bench trials, or clerking for a judge;
• Superior knowledge of the principles and practices of civil law;
• Substantive knowledge and significant prior experience in the area of federal civil litigation; though not required, experience also in criminal law is a plus;
• Superior communication skills (written/verbal)
• Excellent judgment
• One or more jury trials;
• Discovery experience, including expert discovery experience;
• Excellent writing, research and editing skills;
• Proficient in typical litigation technology and software such as Microsoft Office products and Adobe Acrobat;
• Ability to organize, prioritize, monitor, and control workflow deadlines;
• Exceptional supervisory skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work well with and motivate others;
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit leadership and initiative on assigned tasks; and
• Commitment to public service.

Salary: $115,140-$159,324 (salary is based on a variety of factors including experience and credentials)