Assistant Corporation Counsel Jobs
Assistant Corporation Counsel jobs are open across municipal, county, and state government agencies at every level from entry-level to senior counsel, with specializations in civil litigation, labor and employment, and land use or zoning law. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Job Number: 416449-OBS
Description
The City’s Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III (“ACC”) in its Constitutional & Commercial Litigation Division.
The Constitutional and Commercial Litigation Division represents the City and City officials in a broad range of constitutional and commercial matters in both federal and state courts, specializing in cases raising complex, novel, or high-profile legal issues.
Attorneys in the Division litigate constitutional challenges to the City’s ordinances and policies, such as First Amendment speech and religion challenges to the regulations governing Millennium Park, Second Amendment claims against City gun control measures, Commerce Clause challenges to City business regulations, and due process and equal protection claims against City laws governing the sharing economy. The Division also defends City policies and officials against lawsuits or proceedings brought under federal or state statutes, including cases asserting preemption under federal or state law. These include actions initiated by the federal executive branch or Congress. In addition, attorneys in the Division defend City zoning and land development decisions, such as construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, redevelopment of the Michael Reese Hospital site, and the enactment of affordable housing programs. Commercial matters handled by the Division span many legal and factual areas, including infrastructure, government procurement, and contracts.
Most of the Division’s cases involve working directly with the City departments and officials who devise or implement the policies and ordinances defended by the Division. The Division also routinely provides advice and counseling to City departments and officials concerning policy development. The Assistant Corporation Counsel will work on a broad range of issues under the general supervision of the Division’s Deputy and Chief.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ideal candidates will possess the following:
- At least one (1) year of litigation experience in state or federal court in one or more of the following areas: drafting substantive motions, arguing substantive motions in court, assisting in jury or bench trials, taking or defending depositions, or clerking for a state or federal court judge;
- Superior academic achievement as shown by measures such as grade point average, class rank, honors, or participation in at least one of the following activities in law school: law review, law journal, moot court, or judicial externship or internship;
- Ability to research and analyze complex issues;
- Ability to persuasively articulate factual and legal arguments both in writing and orally;
- Experience negotiating settlements or drafting settlement agreements;
- Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility for assigned tasks;
- Ability to organize and prioritize workflow to meet deadlines;
- Ability to work well with colleagues and supervisors;
- Ability to work well with client department representatives; and
- Commitment to public service.
Qualifications
Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree
Admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligible for admission on motion to the Illinois Bar pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705), good standing with your state Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission
Mandatory Submission Terms
You must submit an online application by July 1, 2026 including the items listed below:
- Cover letter that (1) includes the position title and job number as noted on the posting; and (2) specifically identifies how you meet the minimum qualifications and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above;
- Resume;
- Law school transcript (official or unofficial);
- One writing sample; and
- Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website (or your admitted state bar's equivalent including your state Public Record of Discipline and Pending Proceedings)
NOTE: Please do not upload or send materials other than those specifically requested above.
NOTE: Failure to submit all materials will result in your application not being considered for the position.
Salary: $85,704.00 - $149,556.00 (salary is based on a variety of factors including experience and credentials)
Selection Requirements
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.
Evaluation
Your initial evaluation will be based on the documents submitted. Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second party applications will be accepted.
NOTE: To be considered for this position you must provide information about your educational background and your work experience. You must include job titles, dates of employment, and specific job duties. (If you are a current City employee, Acting Up cannot be considered.) If you fail to provide this information at the time you submit your application, it will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for this position. There are three ways to provide the information: 1) you may attach a resume; 2) you may paste a resume; or 3) you can complete the online resume fields.
Education & Employment Verification:
Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired, you must provide, upon request adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired.
Fair Chance Hiring Employer:
The City of Chicago is committed to being a Fair Chance Hiring employer. We value applicants with diverse experiences, including those who have had prior contact with the criminal legal system. Having a criminal history, including prior incarceration, arrest(s), and/or conviction(s) does not automatically disqualify you from employment with the City of Chicago.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment, the City will conduct a background check. The resulting report will be used to conduct an individualized assessment to determine if the nature of any prior conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have been selected. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances.
Residency Requirement:
All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City of Chicago as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you would like to request a 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 disabilityaccommodations@cityofchicago.org. Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.
THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE.
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 Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer. To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson
Mayor
Job Posting: Jun 10, 2026, 3:56:40 PM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Jul 1, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 09 | Salary: $85,704.00 - $149,556.00
Pay Basis: Yearly
Job Number: 416449-OBS
Description
The City’s Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III (“ACC”) in its Constitutional & Commercial Litigation Division.
The Constitutional and Commercial Litigation Division represents the City and City officials in a broad range of constitutional and commercial matters in both federal and state courts, specializing in cases raising complex, novel, or high-profile legal issues.
Attorneys in the Division litigate constitutional challenges to the City’s ordinances and policies, such as First Amendment speech and religion challenges to the regulations governing Millennium Park, Second Amendment claims against City gun control measures, Commerce Clause challenges to City business regulations, and due process and equal protection claims against City laws governing the sharing economy. The Division also defends City policies and officials against lawsuits or proceedings brought under federal or state statutes, including cases asserting preemption under federal or state law. These include actions initiated by the federal executive branch or Congress. In addition, attorneys in the Division defend City zoning and land development decisions, such as construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, redevelopment of the Michael Reese Hospital site, and the enactment of affordable housing programs. Commercial matters handled by the Division span many legal and factual areas, including infrastructure, government procurement, and contracts.
Most of the Division’s cases involve working directly with the City departments and officials who devise or implement the policies and ordinances defended by the Division. The Division also routinely provides advice and counseling to City departments and officials concerning policy development. The Assistant Corporation Counsel will work on a broad range of issues under the general supervision of the Division’s Deputy and Chief.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ideal candidates will possess the following:
- At least one (1) year of litigation experience in state or federal court in one or more of the following areas: drafting substantive motions, arguing substantive motions in court, assisting in jury or bench trials, taking or defending depositions, or clerking for a state or federal court judge;
- Superior academic achievement as shown by measures such as grade point average, class rank, honors, or participation in at least one of the following activities in law school: law review, law journal, moot court, or judicial externship or internship;
- Ability to research and analyze complex issues;
- Ability to persuasively articulate factual and legal arguments both in writing and orally;
- Experience negotiating settlements or drafting settlement agreements;
- Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility for assigned tasks;
- Ability to organize and prioritize workflow to meet deadlines;
- Ability to work well with colleagues and supervisors;
- Ability to work well with client department representatives; and
- Commitment to public service.
Qualifications
Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree
Admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligible for admission on motion to the Illinois Bar pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705), good standing with your state Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission
Mandatory Submission Terms
You must submit an online application by July 1, 2026 including the items listed below:
- Cover letter that (1) includes the position title and job number as noted on the posting; and (2) specifically identifies how you meet the minimum qualifications and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above;
- Resume;
- Law school transcript (official or unofficial);
- One writing sample; and
- Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website (or your admitted state bar's equivalent including your state Public Record of Discipline and Pending Proceedings)
NOTE: Please do not upload or send materials other than those specifically requested above.
NOTE: Failure to submit all materials will result in your application not being considered for the position.
Salary: $85,704.00 - $149,556.00 (salary is based on a variety of factors including experience and credentials)
Selection Requirements
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.
Evaluation
Your initial evaluation will be based on the documents submitted. Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second party applications will be accepted.
NOTE: To be considered for this position you must provide information about your educational background and your work experience. You must include job titles, dates of employment, and specific job duties. (If you are a current City employee, Acting Up cannot be considered.) If you fail to provide this information at the time you submit your application, it will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for this position. There are three ways to provide the information: 1) you may attach a resume; 2) you may paste a resume; or 3) you can complete the online resume fields.
Education & Employment Verification:
Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired, you must provide, upon request adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired.
Fair Chance Hiring Employer:
The City of Chicago is committed to being a Fair Chance Hiring employer. We value applicants with diverse experiences, including those who have had prior contact with the criminal legal system. Having a criminal history, including prior incarceration, arrest(s), and/or conviction(s) does not automatically disqualify you from employment with the City of Chicago.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment, the City will conduct a background check. The resulting report will be used to conduct an individualized assessment to determine if the nature of any prior conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have been selected. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances.
Residency Requirement:
All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City of Chicago as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you would like to request a 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 disabilityaccommodations@cityofchicago.org. Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.
THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE.
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 Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer. To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson
Mayor
Job Posting: Jun 10, 2026, 3:56:40 PM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Jul 1, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 09 | Salary: $85,704.00 - $149,556.00
Pay Basis: Yearly
See All Assistant Corporation Counsel Jobs
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Find JobsAssistant Corporation Counsel Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- A. O. Smith Corporation2
- City of Chicago, IL2
- City of New York1
- Crowley Maritime Corporation1
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector3
- Manufacturing2
- Law & Legal Services1
- Transportation & Logistics1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant corporation counsel jobs.
- Active bar admission in the state where the position is located
- Experience in civil litigation, including drafting motions and appearing in court
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Knowledge of municipal law, government liability, or administrative law
- Ability to handle an independent caseload with minimal supervision
- Strong legal research and writing skills using platforms such as Westlaw or LexisNexis
Tips for Your Assistant Corporation Counsel Job Search
Tailor your resume to government litigation
Highlight courtroom experience, motion practice, and any work defending public entities. Government legal offices review high volumes of applications, so your resume needs to show trial or hearing experience and familiarity with civil procedure in the first few lines.
Target openings by practice area concentration
Corporation counsel offices divide work into units like tort defense, labor relations, housing, or child welfare. Search by the specific unit or practice area that matches your background, not just the job title, to avoid competing against candidates with more targeted experience.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists assistant corporation counsel openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare writing samples from public-sector work
Most government legal offices require a writing sample at application. Choose a brief, memo, or motion that demonstrates legal analysis in a fact-heavy context. Redact client-identifying information and keep the sample under fifteen pages unless the posting specifies otherwise.
Research the agency before your interview
Corporation counsel offices represent specific departments, so read recent court decisions involving that municipality and review any public-facing litigation reports. Interviewers expect you to know the office's active practice areas and the types of claims the agency most commonly defends.
Negotiate start date and bar admission timing
If you've passed the bar but await admission, raise this upfront. Many offices will extend conditional offers and let you start in a non-practicing capacity. Delaying this conversation until after an offer can slow onboarding or cost you the position entirely.
Assistant Corporation Counsel Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most assistant corporation counsels?
The companies hiring the most assistant corporation counsels right now include A. O. Smith Corporation, City of Chicago, IL, and City of New York, with the largest share of openings in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Government entities at the city and county level account for the majority of active postings.
How many assistant corporation counsel jobs are remote?
About 50% of assistant corporation counsel openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which is lower than most legal roles because court appearances and in-person client meetings with agency departments are routine. Advisory and transactional sub-areas such as contract review or policy work tend to offer the most flexibility.
How do you become an assistant corporation counsel?
You need to earn a Juris Doctor degree, pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice, and gain experience in civil litigation or public law through law school clinics, clerkships, or prior attorney positions. Most offices then require you to apply through a formal civil service or merit-based hiring process, submit a writing sample, and pass one or more structured interviews.
Can you get hired as an assistant corporation counsel with little experience?
Some city and county law offices hire new attorneys into entry-level assistant corporation counsel roles, particularly when candidates have completed relevant clerkships, public interest fellowships, or law school clinics focused on government or civil litigation. Demonstrating familiarity with the agency's practice areas, submitting a strong writing sample, and showing you can manage an independent caseload quickly will strengthen your application even without years of post-admission experience.
What does the assistant corporation counsel interview process look like?
Most offices conduct two to three rounds, starting with a phone or video screen focused on your litigation background and bar status, followed by an in-person panel interview with supervising attorneys and sometimes a unit chief. You will typically be asked to walk through a past case or legal problem in detail, and some offices include a short written exercise assessing legal analysis or issue spotting before or during the final round.
Where can I find and apply to assistant corporation counsel jobs?
You can find and apply to assistant corporation counsel jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your practice area, seniority level, and location, then apply directly to each listing.
See All Assistant Corporation Counsel Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any assistant corporation counsel role that fits.
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