Description:JOB ANNOUNCEMENTAssistant General CounselCommunity Commission of Public Safety & Accountability(CCPSA)NUMBER OF VACANT POSITION(S): One (1)(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)The Associate General Counsel works under the direction of the General Counsel, functioning as a legal, and policy advisor within the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), and performs related duties as requiredINTRODUCTIONIn July 2021, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance establishing a new model for police oversight, accountability, and public safety. The ordinance creates two bodies: a citywide Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, with power to advance systemic reform, and District Councils which are elected in each police district and work to improve policing and public safety in the district. The Commission and District Councils bring police officers and Chicago residents together to plan, prioritize, and build mutual trust; strengthen the police accountability system; give Chicagoans a meaningful new role in oversight; and explore and advance alternative effective approaches to public safety. The Commission and District Councils are supported by a City department, also called the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, with a full-time staff.THE POSITIONUnder the direction of the General Counsel, The Associate General Counsel provides legal counsel and support to the Executive Director and staff, Commissioners, and District Council members on matters related to Commission and District Council operations and affairs. Duties include: ensuring that the Commission’s and District Councils’ work is conducted in compliance with local, state, and federal law; performing legal research and providing legal counsel to Commissioners and District Council members regarding policies, initiatives, and programs under consideration by the Commission or District Councils; studying legal trends in law enforcement and civil rights to ensure that proposed policies are in compliance with local, state, and federal law, and consistent with best practices; developing and implementing Commission policies and procedures; reviewing and interpreting various documents including but not limited to legal documents, requests for information, contractual requirements, legislation, and general and special orders; ensuring compliance with the Open Meetings Act; ensuring compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); preparing and drafting legal documents for the Commission and District Councils; and conducting training for staff, Commissioners, and District Council members on relevant legal issues.ORGANIZATIONThe Community Commission is a seven-member body whose members must be drawn from across the city and meet work- and experience-related requirements described in the ordinance. Commissioners are nominated by elected District Council members, selected by the Mayor, and confirmed by the City Council. Commissioners serve four-year terms. The Commission oversees the Police Department, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), and the Police Board. The Commission’s powers include: playing a central role in selecting and removing the Police Superintendent, COPA Chief Administrator, and Police Board members; setting Police Department policy; e stablishing annual goals and evaluating progress for CPD, COPA, and the Police Board; and p romoting community engagement and transparency.District Councils have been created in each of the city’s 22 police districts. Each District Council is made of up three people elected in regular municipal elections. Members serve four-year terms. The District Councils’ roles include: b uilding connections between the police and the community at the district level, where the community is a true partner in making the neighborhood safer, addressing problems, and setting priorities; collaborating in the development and implementation of community policing initiatives; holding monthly public meetings, where residents can raise and work to address concerns about policing in the district, increase accountability, and work on local initiatives rooted in community concerns and priorities; working with the community to get input on police department policies and practices; working to develop and expand restorative justice and similar programs in the police district; and ensuring that the Commission gets input from the community, so that the Commission’s work will be based on what people in neighborhoods across the city are concerned about.ESS E NTIAL DUTIES
Ensures Commission and District Council policies, programs, and procedures are compliant with applicable laws, ordinances, and best practices.
Conducts complex legal and policy research on new, existing, and/or proposed local, state, and federal laws and ordinances applicable to public safety and accountability.
Coordinates the work of consultants and outside counsel participating in comprehensive legal research projects.
Drafts and reviews comprehensive policies for implementation in department operations (e.g., Chicago Police Department, Civilian Office of Police Accountability, and Police Board).
Reviews and analyzes legal trends in law enforcement and civil rights.
Maintains working relationships with other governmental offices representing the department in meetings and working groups.
Writes briefs and reports on the status of legislation and other governmental initiatives for the department.
Assists in developing the department’s legislative strategy.
Provides legal support to the Commission and District Councils (e.g., reviewing legal documents, legislation, and contracts, and responding to requests for documents and information).
Drafts legal responses to FOIA and other requests for information, ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
Conducts or facilitates training and workshops to inform staff, Commissioners, and District Council members of relevant legal and policy issues, including new or modified policies and regulations.
NOTE : The list of e sse n tial duti e s is not intended to be incl u s ive; other duties may be essential to particular p o sitions wit h in the class.Location: 2 N, LaSalle St. Suite 1600Days: Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends required.)Hours: 9 am-5 pmTHIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICEQualifications:MIN I M U M QUALIFICAT I ONSEducation, Training, and Experience· Graduation from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school plus two years of work experience in the legal profession as a licensed attorney and one year of work experience in policy development, policy analysis, or policy advocacyLicensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications· Admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligible for admission on motion to the Illinois Bar according to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705)Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:· Excellent managerial, administration, and interpersonal skills· Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments· Effective, versatile, and action-oriented· Exceptional writing and communication skills· Committed to and knowledgeable about the need for and responsibilities of law enforcement, and the need to protect constitutional rights· Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and leadership· The ability to work well with diverse groups and individuals· The ability to work effectively under pressure· Knowledge of federal and state law governing police policies and practices· Knowledge of the Illinois Open Meetings Act· Knowledge of the Illinois Freedom of Information ActWORKING CONDITIONS· General office environmentVETERANS PREFERENCE NOTE : The City of Chicago offers Veterans Preference to both current, active military personnel AND military personnel who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received an honorable or general discharge. Eligible candidates must have at least six months of active duty documented. In order to receive the veteran’s preference, candidates need to indicate whether or not they are a veteran by answering “yes” or “no” to the question on the online application that asks, “Are you currently serving on active duty for at least six months in the Armed Forces of the United States OR have you served in the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty for at least six months and received an honorable or general discharge?” In addition, you must attach documentation to verify your military service. For veterans, you must attach a copy of your DD214 to your online application which includes character of service status OR a letter from the United States Veterans Administration on official stationary stating dates of service and character of service. For active military personnel, you must attach a letter from your Commanding Officer on official stationary verifying your active duty, length of service, and character of service in the Armed Forces of the United States AND a copy of your military ID to your online application. Failure to answer the question and attach the required documentation will result in you not being considered for the Veterans Preference.Evaluation: Your initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application form and documents submitted with the application. Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second-party applicants will be accepted.Residency Requirement : All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the city as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.If you would like to request 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 [email protected] . Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.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 Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.City of ChicagoBrandon Johnson, MayorPlease note, all positions with the City of Chicago close promptly at 11:59 pm C.D.T. Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. C.D.T. on June 28, 2023. No exceptions will be made.