Senior Level Attorney

The City is seeking experienced attorneys to join its Legal Department in senior-level positions providing legal counsel, representation, and strategic advice to the City, its departments, elected and appointed officials, boards, and commissions. These positions provide an opportunity to work on a broad range of legal matters that directly support City operations, public services, and the community.

The City is intentionally taking a broad approach to this recruitment. We recognize that strong candidates may bring different combinations of legal experience, professional backgrounds, and areas of expertise. Accordingly, the specific title, assignment, caseload, and areas of responsibility may be tailored to the qualifications and strengths of the successful candidates, as well as the evolving needs of the City and Legal Department.

Candidates with substantial experience in municipal or governmental law, litigation, administrative law, labor and employment, contracts, real estate, zoning and land use, civil rights, public finance, regulatory enforcement, or other relevant areas are encouraged to apply. Candidates do not need to have experience in all of these areas. The City is interested in understanding what each candidate can contribute and how that experience can complement the Legal Department’s existing resources.

The ideal candidates will be experienced, adaptable, practical, and committed to public service. They will bring strong legal judgment and the ability to work collaboratively with individuals throughout a municipal organization. Of particular importance is the ability to understand complex legal issues in the context of the City’s operational objectives and provide clear, practical, and legally sound advice to decision-makers.

The City welcomes both municipal law generalists and attorneys whose experience is concentrated in one or more specific practice areas. Specialized expertise may be particularly valuable depending on the City’s needs and the overall composition of the successful candidate pool. The City is seeking attorneys who can contribute immediately while also demonstrating the flexibility and willingness to learn required to address the varied legal issues that arise in municipal government.

We welcome candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Labor and employment
• Civil rights
• Zoning and land use
• Real Estate
• Municipal or Governmental Law
• Litigation
• Code and regulatory enforcement
• Other legal practice areas applicable to municipal government

Key Responsibilities

Depending on experience and departmental needs, responsibilities may include:

• Labor & Employment
  • Advise on employment and labor matters, including employee relations, discipline, personnel actions, and workplace issues.
  • Conduct or assist with internal investigations involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, policy violations, and related concerns.
  • Assist with collective bargaining and labor relations matters, as appropriate.
• Land Use and Development
  • Advise on land use, zoning, and development matters.
  • Draft and review zoning ordinances, development regulations, resolutions, and related policies.
  • Advise City staff on zoning applications, variances, special uses, planned developments, subdivisions, and annexations.
  • Draft and negotiate development agreements, annexation agreements, and other development-related contracts.
  • Ensure land use decisions comply with constitutional, statutory, and procedural requirements.
  • Advise planning commissions, zoning boards, and other decision-making bodies on legal procedures.
  • Advise on municipal real estate transactions and property issues associated with development.
• General Legal Counsel
  • Advise the City Manager, department heads, elected officials, boards, commissions, and staff.
  • Research and interpret federal, state law, and local law.
  • Advise on legal risks, compliance, legislation, policies, and programs.
  • Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, leases, deeds, policies, opinions, and other legal documents.
  • Serve as counsel to designated boards and commissions.
• Litigation & Administrative Law
  • Represent the City in hearings, negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and court matters.
  • Prosecute municipal code violations and enforcement actions.
  • Handle zoning, building, property maintenance, safety, regulatory, and other municipal matters.
  • Manage civil litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motions, hearings, trials, settlements, and appeals.
  • Address delinquent taxes, fees, fines, assessments, and other amounts owed to the City.
  • Coordinate with City departments and outside counsel.

Required Qualifications

• J.D. or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to Illinois bar.
• Substantial legal experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to independently analyze and resolve complex legal issues.
• Sound professional judgment, discretion, and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively with officials, executives, employees, attorneys, outside professionals, and the public.

 Preferred Qualifications

Progressively responsible experience in municipal or governmental law, litigation, administrative law, labor and employment, transactional law, regulatory matters, or other relevant practice areas is preferred.

Government or public-sector experience is desirable but not required for candidates with strong transferable experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Excellent legal research and analytical skills.
• Strong written and oral advocacy.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and adaptability.
• Strong organization and case-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to build effective professional relationships.
• Discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and public service.