TITLE: Counsel (Litigation)
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
Under general supervision, Counsel (Litigation) performs legal duties for the Park District Law Department and represents the Park District at administrative hearings and court proceedings on various legal matters and performs related duties as required or assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
- Represents the Chicago Park District in legal matters including but not limited to: labor matters, labor union negotiations, employment matters, personal injury, property damage, contract disputes, public accommodation, workers’ compensation, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) matters.
- Participates in all stages of litigation including investigation, written discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeals.
- May also engage in affirmative litigation, such as filing petitions for workplace orders of protection to protect the well-being of park staff and the general public.
- Performs legal research and drafts legal documents such as agreements, contracts, pleadings, motions, briefs, case reports, abstracts, letters of opinion, and memoranda.
- Responds to legal inquiries from various Park District Departments.
- Supervises paralegals and support staff as necessary.
- Maintains legal records and prepares required reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience:
Law Degree conferred by an American Bar Association accredited college or university supplemented by a minimum of two years of progressively responsible legal experience in two or more of the following areas: administrative or municipal law, personal injury, civil rights, contracts, environmental law, employment law, labor (union) law including employee discipline and grievance arbitration, litigation, real estate or worker’s compensation.
License Requirement: Must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Illinois.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Admission to the General Bar for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is desirable.
- Experience handling multiple stages of litigation, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, arbitrations, mediation, and trials.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of litigation practices and procedures, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, arbitrations, mediation, and trial.
- Demonstrated proficiency in legal research, analysis and writing.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work, monitor case progress, and meet applicable deadlines.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
General work area is indoors with controlled temperature and LED or fluorescent lighting. Requires sitting for extended periods of time; standing; travel to/from and attendance at court, depositions, and meetings; and visual acumen and manual dexterity for working with computers, documents, and office equipment. Requires physical handling of legal documents and equipment. Performs tasks that involve use of hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, standing, kneeling, climbing, reaching and sitting. May perform lifting tasks up to 25 pounds.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Salary: Estimated salary range $91,000-$96,597.07. Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Work Location: 4830 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL, 60609. (The Park District’s telecommuting policy allows for up to two days of remote work per workweek.)
Application materials: Submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of three (3) professional references.
Career Service: Exempt EEO: Professional FLSA: Exempt
Skills Required
- Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited college or university
- Minimum of two years of progressively responsible legal experience in two or more areas (administrative or municipal law, personal injury, civil rights, contracts, environmental law, employment law, labor law, litigation, real estate, or workers' compensation)
- Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Illinois
- Working knowledge of litigation practices and procedures including discovery, depositions, motion practice, arbitration, mediation, and trial
- Proficiency in legal research, analysis, and writing
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to organize and prioritize work, monitor case progress, and meet deadlines
- Admission to the General Bar for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Experience handling multiple stages of litigation including discovery, depositions, motion practice, arbitrations, mediation, and trials
What We Do
The Chicago Park District owns more than 8,700 acres of green space, making it the largest municipal park manager in the nation. The Chicago Park District’s 597 parks offer thousands of sports and physical activities as well as cultural and environmental programs for youth, adults, and seniors. The Chicago Park District is also responsible for 26 indoor pools, 51 outdoor pools, and 26 miles of lakefront including 23 swimming beaches plus one inland beach. From canoeing to batting cages to arts and crafts, there is never a shortage of activities to participate in Chicago’s parks. The Chicago Park District oversees the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories, two tropical paradises within the city that house thousands of rare and exotic plants. Popular attractions that fall under the management of the Chicago Park District include the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain. Proudly referred to as Chicago's front yard, Grant Park is among the city's loveliest and most prominent parks. Ten world-class museums are located on Chicago Park District property. On October 14, 2014 the Chicago Park District received the 2014 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This award is presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The Chicago Park District's mission is: - To enhance the quality of life in Chicago by becoming the leading provider of recreation and leisure opportunities - To provide safe, inviting and beautifully maintained parks and facilities - To create a customer-focused and responsive park system
