The Constitutional and Commercial Litigation Division represents the City and City officials in a broad range of constitutional and commercial matters in both federal and state courts, specializing in cases raising complex, novel, or high-profile legal issues.

Attorneys in the Division litigate constitutional challenges to the City’s ordinances and policies, such as First Amendment speech and religion challenges to the regulations governing Millennium Park, Second Amendment claims against City gun control measures, Commerce Clause challenges to City business regulations, and due process and equal protection claims against City laws governing the sharing economy. The Division also defends City policies against challenges brought under federal and state statutes, including cases asserting preemption under federal or state law. These challenges include lawsuits as well as federal agency enforcement proceedings. In addition, attorneys in the Division defend City zoning and land development decisions, such as construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, redevelopment of the Michael Reese Hospital site, and the enactment of affordable housing programs. Commercial matters handled by the Division span many legal and factual areas, including infrastructure, government procurement, and contracts.

Most of the Division’s cases involve working directly with the City departments and officials who devise or implement the policies and ordinances defended by the Division. The Division also routinely provides advice and counseling to City departments and officials concerning policy development. The Assistant Corporation Counsel will work on a broad range of issues under the general supervision of the Division’s Deputy and Chief.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

At least one (1) year of litigation experience in state or federal court in one or more of the following areas: drafting substantive motions, arguing substantive motions in court, assisting in jury or bench trials, taking or defending depositions, or clerking for a state or federal court judge;Superior academic achievement as shown by measures such as grade point average, class rank, honors, or participation in at least one of the following activities in law school: law review, law journal, moot court, or judicial externship or internship;Ability to research and analyze complex issues;Ability to persuasively articulate factual and legal arguments both in writing and orally;Experience negotiating settlements or drafting settlement agreements;Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility for assigned tasks;Ability to organize and prioritize workflow to meet deadlines;Ability to work well with colleagues and supervisors;Ability to work well with client department representatives; andCommitment to public service.