The City of Chicago’s Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III (“ACC”) to work in its Affirmative Litigation Division (“ALD”).

ALD investigates alleged misconduct and files litigation to protect the interests of the City and its residents under the City’s consumer-protection ordinance and other laws. For example, ALD has sued (a) fossil-fuel companies for misrepresenting the effects of their products on the climate, (b) a gun manufacturer for selling firearms that can easily be converted into machine guns, (c) companies that engaged in a deceptive scheme to lease homes to low-income residents on a rent-to-own basis, (d) a law firm and related business that run a fraudulent debt-resolution program that preys on Chicagoans struggling with debt, and (e) vaping businesses for marketing and selling their products to kids. ALD also represents the City in qui tam litigation alleging that businesses submitted false claims to the City. Finally, ALD files lawsuits and amicus briefs in connection with actions by the federal government that affect the City. For instance, ALD sued the federal government for (a) rushing completion of the census as part of an attempt to exclude undocumented immigrants from the count, (b) inadequately regulating ozone pollution, (c) undermining the Affordable Care Act, and (d) refusing to regulate “ghost guns.”

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ideal candidates will possess:

at least one year of litigation experience in one or more of the following areas: drafting pleadings and other court documents, drafting substantive motions, arguing substantive motions, taking or defending depositions, handling evidentiary hearings, assisting in jury or bench trials, or clerking for a state or federal court judge;superior academic achievement;excellent written and verbal communication skills;ability to take initiative and assume responsibility for assigned tasks;ability to organize, prioritize, monitor, and control workflow to meet deadlines;ability to work well with colleagues, client department representatives, and others; andcommitment to public service.