Staff Attorney (Fall 2021)

For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions.

In addition to representing individuals in court and administrative hearings, we run community legal clinics, provide know-your-rights workshops, and work with community-based organizations to address emerging issues as well as persistent problems that affect low-income families. At Legal Aid Chicago we are actively engaged in dialogue regarding how legal services organizations can contribute to and further racial justice.

Case handlers work in one of five practice groups: Consumer, Children and Families, Housing, Immigrants and Workers’ Rights, and Public Benefits.

Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks five full-time staff attorneys to begin in October 2021. Applicants must be willing to work in any of the above practice groups. Ultimate placements will be assigned based upon practice group need and considering the interests, skills, and experience of the applicant.

Responsibilities:

• Manage an individual caseload and provide full and effective legal representation to individuals and/or groups
• Maintain and grow knowledge in a specialized area of law, and competence in related areas of law  
• Interview eligible clients and assess their legal problems
• Provide appropriate advice and referrals 
• Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues 
• Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff, students and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services
• Conduct community education and outreach and build relationships with community partners in poverty fighting efforts
• Participate in training to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights impacting low income persons and other vulnerable persons
• Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising

Qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be a member of the Illinois bar or have taken the Illinois bar prior to their October start date. The successful applicant will be collegial, well organized, and demonstrate a commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty, and applicants are encouraged to share that experience in their cover letter. Applicants must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure. Bilingual applicants preferred.