Senior Attorney – Order of Protection Program

Supervised by: Managing Director, Family Law & Protective Orders Division

Status: Full-time

In addition to the annual salary listed, Ascend Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (lowest level 100% employer paid, 50% premium for dependents employer paid), dental insurance (employer paid), short- and long-term disability (employer paid), and life insurance (employer paid), 12 weeks paid parental leave. We also offer options for 401k and Roth 401k retirement accounts and have the option to make employer contributions at year end.

All employees who work on-site in an Ascend Justice office are required to show proof of full and up-to-date vaccination against COVID-19 unless a reasonable accommodation is approved. An individual is fully vaccinated and up to date when they have received all CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

Ascend Justice's offices are currently operating on a hybrid working schedule (in-office/work from home). The schedule for this position will be determined as the position is filled and based on current agency needs.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Services (approximately 85% of the position)

• With supervisor and colleagues, share management of the Order of Protection clinic, including meeting personal and team goals.
• Provide successful same-day legal assistance for survivors of domestic violence obtaining Emergency Orders of Protection
• Successfully manage 3-5 brief service cases per day when serving as Clinic Manager.
• Supervise volunteers, including attorneys and student interns, as they provide brief legal services in a fast-paced, walk-in legal clinic.
• Provide knowledgeable and skilled legal representation in Order of Protection matters.
• Perform intake functions, interviewing potential clients and gathering information to evaluate cases for representation.
• Represent clients in Emergency Order of Protection hearings.
• Manage a caseload of ongoing Order of Protection cases, including effective representation of clients in negotiations, contested hearings, and motion practice.
• Deliver services according to the principles of trauma-informed care
• Maintain client files, noting all deadlines, communications and other relevant information.
• Coordinate with the team’s Client Support Coordinator and other colleagues to ensure that the client receives seamless, holistic services.

Management (approximately 15% of the position)

• Play a significant role in program management, including assisting with logistics, case review and assignment, record keeping, interns and volunteers, and efforts to monitor and improve processes and services.
• Provide technical advice to staff attorneys on case-related issues.
• May supervise staff members.

Other Responsibilities

• Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings.
• Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks, and participating in professional organizations.
• Protect the organization by keeping information confidential.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Work Environment

• This position requires at least 60% of work to be done on-site, subject to change.
• Courthouse and offices are fully accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.
• Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. The employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 40 pounds.
• Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois
• At least three years of relevant experience and a high level of technical expertise
• Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training
• Spanish language proficiency, including the ability to interview and represent clients with limited or no-English speaking abilities, is preferred
• Ability to develop and implement short and long-term litigation strategies
• Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training.
• Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations
• Knowledge of or experience with working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence
• Ability to work in a fast-paced legal environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with people in crisis
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication and time management skills
• Sense of humor

Ascend Justice is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Ascend Justice does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Ascend Justice is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team. Applicants/clients wishing to lodge a complaint about discrimination in the provision of services can do so by contacting the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.  The ICJIA nondiscrimination policy can be found on the ICJIA website at http://www.icjia.org/grants/grant-resources.  Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to CJA.CivilRightsOfficer@illinois.gov