Description

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.

Requirements

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 (www.americanbar.org). 

 Application Process and Materials 

• 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 www.iardc.org (or your admitted state bar's equivalent)

Click here to submit an application 

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

NOTE: Failure to submit all materials will result in your application not being considered for the position. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single file to stay within the upload limit of 5 documents.