Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Affirmative Litigation Division

About the role

The City of Chicago’s Department of Law seeks an Assistant Corporation Counsel III (ACC) to work in its Affirmative Litigation Division (ALD). ALD investigates alleged misconduct and files litigation to protect the City and its residents under the city’s consumer‑protection ordinance and other laws. Examples of ALD’s work include suing fossil‑fuel companies for climate‑impact misrepresentations, a gun manufacturer for selling firearms easily converted to machine guns, companies running deceptive rent‑to‑own home leases, a law firm operating a fraudulent debt‑resolution program, and vaping businesses marketing to kids. ALD also files lawsuits and amicus briefs related to federal actions affecting the city, such as challenges to funding freezes, DEIA program eliminations, ACA undermining, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness disqualifications, and represents the city in qui tam litigation alleging false claims.

Responsibilities

• Investigate alleged misconduct and prepare litigation under consumer‑protection and other laws.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and other court documents.
• Argue substantive motions and handle evidentiary hearings.
• Take or defend depositions and assist in jury or bench trials.
• File lawsuits and amicus briefs in response to federal actions impacting the city.
• Represent the city in qui tam false‑claims litigation.

Requirements

• Graduation from an American Bar Association‑accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligibility for admission on motion under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705).
• Good standing with your state Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission.

Qualifications

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
• Clerking for a state or federal court judge

Skills

• 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
• Commitment to public service

Benefits

View the city’s benefits package: