Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Affirmative Litigation Division

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 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) freezing funding for counterterrorism, migrant shelters, and other City programs, (b) attempting to eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs, (c) undermining the Affordable Care Act, and (d) disqualifying disfavored employers from participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Finally, ALD represents the City in qui tam litigation alleging that businesses submitted false claims to the City.

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; and
• commitment to public service.
• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree, admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligible for admission on motion to the Illinois Bar pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705)
• Good standing with your state Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission.

Disclaimer - "Accredited" means any American law school that has passed and maintains the requirements of accreditation by the American Bar Association (

Mandatory Submission Terms

You must submit an on-line application by December 2, 2025 :

• Cover letter that (1) includes the position title and job number as noted on the posting; (2) specifically identifies how you meet the minimum qualifications and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (official or unofficial);
• One writing sample; and
• Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website at (or your admitted state bar's equivalent)

NOTE: Please do not upload or send materials other than those specifically requested above.

NOTE: Failure to submit all materials will result in your application not being considered for the position.

Salary: $85,704.00 – 149,556.00 (salary is based on a variety of factors including experience and credentials)

Click to view our generous benefits package

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

NOTE REGARDING PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: Working for the City of Chicago Department of Law may qualify you for loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For detailed information, visit or contact your federal loan servicer.

NOTE: Candidates experiencing trouble uploading the required documents to our system may e-mail the documents to: [email protected]. However, uploading documents directly to your CAREERS applicant profile is our preferred method of receipt.

NOTE: If you have questions, please contact the Department of Human Resources (312-744-4976) or [email protected].

Selection Requirements

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

Evaluation

Your initial evaluation will be based on the documents submitted. Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second party applications will be accepted.

NOTE: To be considered for this position you must provide information about your educational background and your work experience. You must include job titles, dates of employment, and specific job duties. (If you are a current City employee, Acting Up cannot be considered.) If you fail to provide this information at the time you submit your application, it will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for this position. There are three ways to provide the information: 1) you may attach a resume; 2) you may paste a resume; or 3) you can complete the online resume fields.

Education & Employment Verification: Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired, you must provide, upon request adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired.

Fair Chance Hiring Employer: The City of Chicago is committed to being a Fair Chance Hiring employer. We value applicants with diverse experiences, including those who have had prior contact with the criminal legal system. Having a criminal history, including prior incarceration, arrest(s), and/or conviction(s) does not automatically disqualify you from employment with the City of Chicago.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment, the City will conduct a background check. The resulting report will be used to conduct an individualized assessment to determine if the nature of any prior conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have been selected. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances.

Residency Requirement: All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City of Chicago as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.

Reasonable Accommodation : If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy in order to participate in the application process, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources, at 312-744-4976 or [email protected]. Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer. To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson

Mayor

Job Posting

Nov 20, 2025, 12:25:35 PM

BU

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