Attorney

Under guidance of the chief assistant inspector general – legal compliance, this position responds to subpoenas, discovery requests, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This position trains OIG staff on record retention and FOIA obligations and plays a vital role in OIG’s records management efforts. This position also conducts document reviews related to document productions and investigations for relevance, privilege, and confidentiality.

DUTIES:

• Conducts legal research of local, state, and federal civil, criminal, and administrative laws pertinent to departmental operations and city policies
• Views and proofreads reports summarizing investigative findings and outlining disciplinary, operational, and policy recommendations for legal sufficiency and accuracy
• Responds to discovery requests, subpoenas, and FOIA requests
• Coordinates with office personnel and external parties on the searching, collection, and production of appropriate documents in litigation involving OIG
• Prepares redactions and privilege logs for confidential and privileged material
• Reviews and interprets various documents (e.g., legal documents, requests for information, contractual requirements, legislation) for department management
• Participates in meetings with senior-level attorneys and other parties to discuss cases and negotiation strategies
• Researches and analyzes local, state, federal laws, ordinances and court decisions relative to legal issues affecting office investigations, audits, and program reviews
• Evaluates programmatic compliance with local, state, and federal laws (e.g., FOIA, HIPAA and EEO laws)
• Provides training and orientation to office staff on the optimal use of digital discovery, legal document review tools, FOIA best practices, and records retention under the Illinois Local Record Act
• Performs related duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Graduation from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school plus one year of legal work experience. Admission to the Illinois Bar (or another state bar having reciprocity with Illinois), or graduation from an ABA accredited law school and eligibility to sit for the Illinois Bar Examination no more than ten weeks after the anticipated hiring date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Moderate knowledge of:

• Applicable local laws, statutes, regulations, and guidelines
• Contract law and administration
• The legal system and the principles and practices of applicable areas of law

Some knowledge of:

• Record keeping
• Report presentation methods, practices, and procedures

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong work ethic and professionalism
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Collaborates with co-workers and thrives in a team-based environment
• Ability to effectively work cross functionally in a fast-paced work environment

ANNUAL SALARY: Range: $82,884 – $112,080 (annual increases); Starting $82,884 (non-negotiable); Post successful six-month review $85,236

BENEFITS: For information on City of Chicago employees’ benefits, please visit our benefits website: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html.

TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE: Travel outside Chicago is not required. Standard office hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., flexibility permitted.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employees must be a resident of the City of Chicago and proof of residency is required at the commencement of employment.

KNOWLEDGE SKILL AND ESSAY REQUIREMENT: A passing score on a knowledge skill test(s) and/or essay may be required. Your application must include a response to the following prompt:

Government transparency is critical to OIG’s mission. Meanwhile, OIG’s enabling ordinance sets out rigorous confidentiality standards for our own work. In approximately 500 words, discuss your views of how OIG should consider and approach simultaneous obligations toward transparency and confidentiality.

WE VALUE DIVERSITY

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an equal opportunity employer.

OIG is an inclusive organization that hires and develops all its staff of all levels regardless of race, religion, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, marital or parental status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, age, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

OIG strives to create the kind of workplace where a socially diverse mix of people can thrive professionally. We pride ourselves in meeting our legal charge to promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity in government. Through the hard work of our passionate and innovative team, OIG aims to serve every community with equity, respect, and dignity.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy to participate in the application process, please contact OIG’s Manager of Human Resources Eloise Markham at emarkham@igchicago.org. Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.

THE CITY OF CHICAGO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND MILITARY FRIENDLY EMPLOYER

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The City of Chicago does not participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). In addition, employment at the OIG is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.

NOTIFICATION REGARDING USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

The submission of written materials (e.g., writing sample, essay, cover letter, etc.) generated in-part or fully by AI is strongly discouraged. Candidates who submit AI generated written materials may be disqualified from further consideration.