Public Defender In Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The City's Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III ("ACC") in its Constitutional & Commercial Litigation Division.
The Constitutional and Commercial Litigation Division represents the City and City officials in a broad range of constitutional and commercial matters in both federal and state courts, specializing in cases raising complex, novel, or high-profile legal issues.
Attorneys in the Division litigate constitutional challenges to the City's ordinances and policies, such as First Amendment speech and religion challenges to the regulations governing Millennium Park, Second Amendment claims against City gun control measures, Commerce Clause challenges to City business regulations, and due process and equal protection claims against City laws governing the sharing economy. The Division also defends City policies and officials against lawsuits or proceedings brought under federal or state statutes, including cases asserting preemption under federal or state law. These include actions initiated by the federal executive branch or Congress. In addition, attorneys in the Division defend City zoning and land development decisions, such as construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, redevelopment of the Michael Reese Hospital site, and the enactment of affordable housing programs. Commercial matters handled by the Division span many legal and factual areas, including infrastructure, government procurement, and contracts.
Most of the Division's cases involve working directly with the City departments and officials who devise or implement the policies and ordinances defended by the Division. The Division also routinely provides advice and counseling to City departments and officials concerning policy development. The Assistant Corporation Counsel will work on a broad range of issues under the general supervision of the Division's Deputy and Chief.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• At least one (1) year of litigation experience in state or federal court in one or more of the following areas: drafting substantive motions, arguing substantive motions in court, assisting in jury or bench trials, taking or defending depositions, or clerking for a state or federal court judge;
• Superior academic achievement as shown by measures such as grade point average, class rank, honors, or participation in at least one of the following activities in law school: law review, law journal, moot court, or judicial externship or internship;
• Ability to research and analyze complex issues;
• Ability to persuasively articulate factual and legal arguments both in writing and orally;
• Experience negotiating settlements or drafting settlement agreements;
• Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility for assigned tasks;
• Ability to organize and prioritize workflow to meet deadlines;
• Ability to work well with colleagues and supervisors;
• Ability to work well with client department representatives; 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 ( www.americanbar.org ).
Mandatory Submission Terms
You must submit an online application by August 12, 2026 including the items listed below:

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

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:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf
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 www.StudentAid.gov/publicservice or contact your federal loan servicer.
NOTE: Candidates experiencing trouble uploading the required documents to our system may e-mail the documents to: DOL.Application@cityofchicago.org. 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 DOL.Application@cityofchicago.org.
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 disabilityaccommodations@cityofchicago.org. 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