Paralegal, School Law

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The School Law Unit provides legal guidance to staff on a wide range of legal and policy issues affecting schools, including student records and privacy, the student code of conduct, student enrollment and transfers, school accountability, Local School Council issues, legislative review, charter school matters, and educational initiatives.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Paralegal will support the General Counsel, Managing Deputy General Counsels, the School Law Deputy General Counsel, and the School Law Assistant Deputy General Counsel. This role is of a confidential nature and has regular access to the Law Department and other CPS Departments’ confidential information, including confidential student information. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will be paid for time worked on an hourly basis.

This position will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Gather documents, including collecting and reviewing documents for relevancy, preparing document productions, including Bates-numbering, redactions, and production logs.
• Prepare drafts of appearances, routine motions, response templates, Board Reports, and other legal documents for approval by attorneys.
• Assist attorneys during mediations and hearings, including preparing witness folders, exhibits, subpoenas, and providing technology assistance.
• Maintain and track the unit’s docket of cases, including calendar mediation dates, hearing dates, and other deadlines.
• Maintain and organize the unit’s electronic case files.
• Process requests for student records, including gathering records from schools and CPS databases. Review student records to ensure compliance with Federal and State law.
• Perform legal research on Westlaw and cite-checking briefs.
• Coordinate various aspects of case management and document delivery with outside counsel and outside agencies.
• Process invoices and reimbursement requests.
• Assist the Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Deputy General Counsel with special projects related to cross-functional work and new initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

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

Education Required

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university preferred
• Paralegal certificate required
  
  

Experience Required

• Minimum of three (3) years of paralegal experience in a litigation practice
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to manage a large volume of files
• Ability to maintain confidentiality related to sensitive information and documents
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Adobe
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and detail orientation
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task and problem-solve
• Demonstrated success working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a team environment
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work
  
  

Conditions of Employment

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

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
  
  

Benefits

Qualifications - External

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS Is Committed To Providing Comprehensive Health Coverage To Our Employees And Their Eligible Dependents. You'll Have Access To a Variety Of Choices To Best Fit Your Needs

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program
  
  

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance
  
  

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays
• Leaves
  
  

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Posting Date

May 18, 2026, 1:16:54 PM

Primary Location

Central-42 West Madison Street (Law Office)

Estimated Annual Salary Range

50,000.00

Position Type

Non-Union Position

Overtime Status

Non-exempt