Legal Secretary

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district 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.

Job Summary:

• The Legal Secretary will be responsible for secretarial work and routine administrative duties for assigned attorneys.
• The Legal Secretary is under the supervision of the Law Department's Labor and Employee Discipline Unit's Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Deputy General Counsel and may also perform work for the team's Senior Assistant General Counsels and Assistant General Counsels, the Law Department's Labor Relations team, and the Law Department's Office Manager.

The Legal Secretary will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Obtaining documents, payroll records, and other information to respond to subpoena requests;
• Backup receptionist coverage: answering phones, directing calls to the appropriate parties, and taking messages as appropriate;
• Reviewing investigatory reports to redact certain confidential information;
• Data input and maintaining databases regarding open and closed files in the Unit;
• Drafting and mailing tailored compliance letters to employees and victims; and
• Performing other related duties and support to attorneys as required.

This position is of a confidential nature and has regular access to Law Department and other CPS Departments' confidential files, data, and information, including confidential student and employee information.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the (Administrative Assistant/Legal Secretary) must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• B.A. or B.S. from an accredited college or university preferred.

Type of Experience and Number of Years:

• A minimum of three years previous secretarial or clerical work experience in a legal office; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational skills and strong ability to multitask
• Strong communication skills (speaking, listening, and writing)
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps
• Good typing skills and knowledge of Word, Microsoft Office, Excel, Google Suite, and CM/ECF E-filing software
• Preferably good knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures
• Hard-working team player with attention to detail

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.