Description

Legal Action Chicago is a close partner of Legal Aid Chicago, the Midwest’s largest provider of free civil legal services to people who are living in poverty. We work closely with the advocates at Legal Aid Chicago and with community groups to identify the most pressing issues affecting low-income families, with a special focus on racial equity. Because we are not bound by the restrictions that prohibit Legal Aid Chicago from litigating class actions and pursuing legislative initiatives, we use these tools and other forms of community-based policy advocacy to effect systemic changes. Learn more about our work at www.legalactionchicago.org.

Our work is not limited to a single issue area or advocacy method. For example, Legal Action Chicago has challenged public housing minimum-rent policies that violate due process, inadequate public assistance grants for older adults and people with disabilities, excessive rates for public utilities, and the use of remote “kill-switches” to disable and constructively repossess vehicles. Our work spans the subject matter of all of Legal Aid Chicago’s practice groups (Children & Families, Consumer, Housing, Immigrants & Workers’ Rights, Pro Bono & Community Partnerships, Long-term care, and Public Benefits), and we welcome applicants who have cross-cutting interests and experiences.

Position: Legal Action Chicago seeks a full-time Staff Attorney.

Responsibilities: 

• As either a lead or team member, maintain a caseload of class action litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy and/or other policy advocacy across Legal Action Chicago’s agenda, which will include a range of issues of importance to people in poverty, with a strategic priority of racial equity
• Take leadership on legislative and administrative issues and the relevant relationships and processes in Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County
• Consult and work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff, interns, and volunteers
• As needed and assigned, handle individual or group representation matters in cooperation with Legal Aid Chicago
• Engage in administration and other tasks supportive of a small, collaborative practice
• Maximize community outreach and partnerships
• Maintain case files and timekeeping
• Participate in communications, fundraising, and external relations involving Legal Action Chicago’s work
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or director

Salary and Benefits: 

The Staff Attorney position begins at $63,500 and increases for every relevant year of experience.

Legal Action Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Bilingual Staff Attorneys are eligible for an additional stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• Time Off: 15 vacation days and 13 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
• 14 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
• Six weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
• $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
• Chicago Bar Association Membership, at no cost
• Monthly internet reimbursement
• Legal Action Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program

Requirements

We are looking for an attorney with at least three years’ experience as a practicing lawyer or as a federal law clerk. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois or prepared to sit for the next bar exam and have a driver’s license. Applicants must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure. 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 be willing to travel as needed to Springfield. Experience in class action litigation preferred. Also preferred (not required) experience includes poverty law subject areas, civil rights, and/or legislative advocacy.

Legal Action Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our offices, located in downtown Chicago at 120 S. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of two professional references and one alternative professional reference. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled, with an expected start date of September 1, 2024. No phone calls, please.

If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at humanresources@legalaidchicago.org.