Assistant counsel supervisor chief civil rights

The City of Chicago’s Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor – Chief Mediator for the newly created Settlements and Mediation 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 Settlements and Mediation Section is a specialized unit within the Department of Law that focuses exclusively on the strategic resolution of cases involving tort claims mass tort claims, and federal civil rights litigation under 42 U.S.C.

• 1983 and related statutes. The newly created Chief Mediator 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. Under guidance and supervision of the Managing Deputy and Division Deputy, the Chief Mediator would establish, direct, and manage the implementation and administration of the Settlements and Mediation Section’s mediation program (the “Program”) pursuant to the requirements of applicable law; and perform related duties as required.
  
  

Duties would include making preliminary assessments of new matters, reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating existing litigation matters, participating in mediation, and making recommendations on settlement strategy to DOL senior staff and leadership. The Chief Mediator would also generate data around the Program’s metrics and costs and would develop policies and procedures to efficiently operate the Program. This is a unique opportunity for an attorney who is experienced in mediation and/or alternative dispute resolution, with interest in working on resolution for some of the City’s highest exposure litigation matters.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• Eight (8) years of legal experience as a licensed attorney;
• Three (3) years of experience in settlement negotiation, mediation or dispute resolution program management; preferably with experience with cases that have multi-million-dollar exposure;
• Federal civil litigation experience;
• Superior knowledge of the principles and practices of civil law;
• Superior communication skills (written/verbal)
• Excellent judgment
• 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.
  
  

Qualifications

• 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 (

Application Process and Materials

You must submit an on-line application by November 10, 2025:

• Cover letter that (1) includes the position title as noted on the posting; and (2) specifically identifies how you meet the minimum qualifications and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above; and (3) explains why you are interested in this position, including how your mediation and/or settlement skills could contribute to the Department of Law.
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (official or unofficial);
• Two writing samples
• Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website at (or your admitted state bar's equivalent)
  
  

Salary: $118,596 - 164,100 (salary is based on a variety of factors including experience and credentials)

Click to view our generous benefits package

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: 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.

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

Oct 20, 2025, 11:32:12 AM

BU

09