Law Clerk-State Litigation Summer (Part-Time/Temporary)

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 360,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership and continuous learning.

CPS is seeking a Law Clerk to support the State Litigation Unit by assisting with legal research, drafting and responding to pleadings, discovery and motions, and participating with the handling attorneys in devising and implementing litigation plans for the defense of lawsuits. The Law Clerk will receive mentorship and on-the-job training and gain familiarity with Illinois civil procedure and litigation involving tort, contract, and employment law.

This clerkship is part-time and temporary in nature. The ideal candidate will be able to commit to approximately 35 hours per week during the summer (June through August).

The Law Clerk will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Research on a wide variety of legal issues
• Other duties and projects as assigned by the attorneys in the State Litigation Unit
• Draft requests for and responses to discovery
• Assist with trial preparation as needed
• Review and summarize deposition testimony
• Review and analyze investigative materials and medical records
• Draft pleadings (answers, affirmative defenses, counterclaims and complaints)

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Law Clerk must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree; and,
• Current enrollment in Law School or Juris Doctor Degree (pre-licensure), with satisfactorily completed coursework in Contract Law.

Please note: Licensed attorneys will not be considered for this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Team spirit and willingness to learn
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Attention to detail
• Diligence, integrity, and honesty
• Organization, time management, and the ability to multitask appropriately
• Ability to identify and analyze issues

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters. Unvaccinated staff with an approved exemption must submit to weekly testing.