Corporation Counsel

The Village of Skokie (IL), a progressive and diverse community located just 16 miles north of downtown Chicago, is seeking a highly experienced legal professional to serve as Corporation Counsel. This executive-level position serves as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Mayor, Village Board of Trustees, Village Manager, and senior staff, and reports directly to the Mayor and Board of Trustees. The Corporation Counsel leads the Village’s Legal Department and is responsible for providing strategic, high-level legal counsel to ensure compliance, protect the Village’s interests, and support policy initiatives.

With a team of three attorneys along with an administrative staff of two, the Corporation Counsel has overall responsibility for directing and coordinating all legal activities of the Village. This includes supervising litigation, interpreting laws and regulations, advising elected officials and department heads, and ensuring legal compliance across all municipal functions. The Corporation Counsel proactively identifies legal risks and works to develop practical, legally sound solutions in a dynamic municipal environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Serves as the principal legal advisor to the Mayor, Village Board, Village Manager, and department heads; Manage, direct, and supervise the Village's Legal Department, including personnel oversight and case assignments; Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, Village codes, administrative policies, and intergovernmental agreements; Negotiate, draft, and review complex contracts, including real estate transactions, development agreements, and service contracts; Represent the Village in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings, or oversee outside counsel; Advise on land use and zoning matters, public safety issues, economic development projects, labor and employment matters, and ethics regulations; Provide legal training and updates to elected officials, boards, and commissions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school; Active license to practice law in the State of Illinois and admission to the Illinois Bar with admission to the Federal Trial Bar preferred; minimum 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience in local government law, with at least 5 years in a managerial, supervisory, or general counsel role; In-depth knowledge of municipal law, including but not limited to land use, employment law, contracts, constitutional law, and litigation

The annual salary range for this position is $200,000 – $250,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.  The Village offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, retirement pension through IMRF, and a 457(b) deferred compensation plan.

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references.  Applications will be accepted from June 18, 2025 through July 6, 2025.  As applications are received, they will be reviewed for consideration. 

Candidates may apply directly via email to Human.Resources@skokie.org, or via U.S. mail to: 

Human Resources

Village of Skokie

5127 Oakton Street

Skokie, IL  60077

To see a complete listing of all job duties, requirement, and key competencies for this position, please visit the Skokie Jobs page at www.skokie.org.  For additional information regarding the Village of Skokie, please visit the Village of Skokie’s web page: www.skokie.org.

EOE Employer