What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Lawyer position at Citizen Advocacy Center?
THE ORGANIZATION
The Citizen Advocacy Center (“CAC”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building democracy in the 21st Century by strengthening the public’s capacities, resources, and institutions for self-governance. Based in Elmhurst, Illinois, CAC implements legal advocacy, community organizing, public policy analysis, media outreach, and civic education, to foster and promote active participation in the democratic process.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
CAC is seeking an action-oriented community lawyer, licensed to practice in Illinois, passionate about democracy and uprooting injustice. The ideal candidate has legal advocacy or litigation experience and desires a long-term career in public interest law. Energetic lawyers willing to employ and develop their public speaking, community organizing, advocacy, research, writing, and mentoring skills are also encouraged to apply regardless of experience. Lawyers with social media, marketing, or communications experience should highlight this on their application.
The Community Lawyer must be willing to work with a diverse group of people in a team
environment and have the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities. The Community Lawyer
should be comfortable speaking in a public setting and interacting with members of the
community on a daily basis.
COMMUNITY LAWYER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Engaging individuals and organizations regarding matters of public concern that fit within our mission and criteria of building democracy for the 21st Century.
• Conducting legal research and writing.
• Organizing campaigns and planning strategies that will enable community groups to advance their cause.
• Giving testimony or public comment at government meetings and speaking to community groups and professional organizations.
• Cooperating with policymakers and educators to advance civic engagement policies across a broad spectrum, including statewide civic education.
• Executing grant-related work as developed in collaboration with the executive director.
• Planning and executing Democracy Workshops for the public, the press, and public officials about the laws that enable and ensure citizen participation in the governmental decision-making process on matters of public significance.
• Mentoring student interns and supervising their projects.
• Educating the public about being active, informed, and effective community leaders through presentations, written materials, one-on-one engagement, and the media.
• Monitoring local governments for abuses of power and undemocratic practices.
• Holding government officials and entities accountable for anti-democratic policies that dissuade public participation.
• Supporting litigation where appropriate or necessary to enforce and strengthen public policies that uphold democracy and democratic protocols.
• Referring community members who have legal issues that are outside the scope of CAC’s service or beyond CAC’s capacity.
• Collaborating with outside lawyers and legal professionals to ensure effective advocacy.
Start date as soon as possible.
Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000, depending on prior experience, with the potential to
increase based on job performance and ability to contribute to the development and
growth of the organization. Benefits include health insurance, flexible time off, hybrid work
schedule, and participation in a profit-sharing plan when vested.
Citizen Advocacy Center is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary : $55,000 - $60,000