Staff Attorney

Legal Council for Health Justice (Legal Council) seeks a passionate and mission driven Staff Attorney with at least two years of legal experience to advocate for individuals and families facing barriers created by chronic illness, disability, stigma, and poverty. The attorney will provide direct legal services, community education, and advocacy in partnership with healthcare and social service providers.

About Legal Council for Health Justice

Founded in 1987, Legal Council is a nonprofit law office dedicated to advancing health justice. We fight health disparities impacting Illinoisans across the lifespan. Using a Medical-Legal Partnership model, we work alongside hospitals, medical clinics, social service providers, and community organizations serving low-income populations to deliver high-quality legal services where they’re needed most. Legal Council operates under a hybrid work policy, requiring a minimum of two days per week in our downtown Chicago office or on-site at partner organizations.

Commitment to Fairness and Respect

Legal Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Legal Council for Health Justice is committed to fostering a workplace that values fair treatment, respect, and diverse perspectives. We believe that drawing on the wide range of experiences, skills, and viewpoints of our staff makes us stronger advocates for the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage candidates to share how their professional or personal experiences equip them to understand and support the needs of our clients.

Key Responsibilities for this Role

• • Provide legal representation in areas including:
  • Public benefits (SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, SNAP, ADAP)
  • Private insurance denials
  • HIV discrimination and confidentiality
  • Access to gender-affirming care
  • Education law—special education support services
  • Represent clients before federal/state agencies, Illinois courts, and other institutions.
  • Deliver trauma-informed legal services to clients.
  • Provide on-site legal services at a partner hospital or health clinic.
  • Conduct community education and trainings on health-related legal issues.
  • Participate in internal and external meetings to advance health justice goals.
  • Assist with program development, including data entry and maintaining case files.

Qualifications

• • J.D. degree and admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligibility through reciprocity).
  • Two or more years of relevant work experience
  • Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Spanish or other language skills strongly preferred.

What We’re Looking For

We know no one checks every box. If you bring passion for our mission, a commitment to justice, and skills you believe will help you succeed, we encourage you to apply.

Relevant experience includes not only professional advocacy on behalf of others, but experience with poverty, chronic illness, HIV, mental illness, racism and its consequences, public housing or other issues affecting our client population.

Salary & Benefits

• • Salary range: $65,000 or more, depending on experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time
  • 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with 2% employer contribution
  • Opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development
  • Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

How to Apply:

Email (no phone calls, please) a resume, cover letter, and two professional references with the subject line "Staff Attorney" to: job@legalcouncil.org. In your cover letter, Legal Council invites you to share how your lived experience may make you a better advocate for the families and communities we serve.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Our interview process typically includes an interview with 2-3 staff members, and, if relevant, a Spanish/additional language interview. References will be contacted after interviews are complete.

• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with 2% employer contribution
• Opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness