General Counsel

The General Counsel is the Chief Legal Officer for Chicago Public Schools, responsible for all legal affairs and mitigating risks for a $9 billion organization. The position oversees the Law Office, with 8 practice areas, a staff of 100 employees, and an operating budget of $16+ million.

Requirements

• Counsel the Board, CEO, Departments and Schools with respect to legal compliance requirements and risk mitigation.
• Prepare, approve, and maintain legal instruments governing transactions for the district.
• Represent the Board of Education, the Chief Education Officer, and district officials in litigation and other claims filed against them.
• Oversee the district's Freedom of Information Office to ensure compliance with state sunshine laws and student and employee privacy laws.
• Oversee the district's employee administrative hearings that consider and dispose of employee disciplinary matters and employee grievances.
• Communicate with the Board of Education on a regular basis with respect to the school district’s foreseeable legal and reputational risks and controversies.
• Forecast and advise the Chief Financial Officer on potential legal risks which may impact the district’s financial health.
• Cooperate and as appropriate collaborate with the Office of the Inspector General with respect to matters under investigation by that office.
• Oversee Law Office operations and staff hiring, supervision, development, and performance management across multiple departments and functional areas.
• Promote professional development and collaborative working relations among law department employees and between them and school and department employees.
• Manage the law department’s budgets, collaborating with the finance department to ensure appropriate legal reserves are maintained for the district.
• Retain outside counsel in accordance with Board procedures to represent CPS, its officers, agents and employees in litigation and to provide legal counsel as needed.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
• Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
• Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life