Paralegal - Consumer

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

4h • Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid Chicago seeks one full-time paralegal in the Consumer Practice Group. Paralegals work alongside attorneys and directly with clients on legal issues. This position will support our work with the Early Resolution Program with Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD), a county-wide initiative to help resolve eviction and debt issues. The Early Resolution Program for consumer debt provides limited assistance to debtors in Cook County to advise them of their rights, provide referrals, and assist consumers in reaching agreements with their creditor(s). The program has both a pre-court and in-court component. The pre-court assistance focuses on screening and advising debtors of their rights. The in-court assistance focuses on advice, referrals and negotiation to resolve issues prior to trial. The paralegals support both aspects of this program, providing support to staff attorneys in screening and following up with debtors. This is a hybrid position.

Requirements

• College degree preferred
• Computer proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• The ability to work well under pressure, and to learn and retain new information
• The ability to quickly and thoroughly gather information from clients and then summarize it concisely
• A demonstrated interest or experience working with Legal Aid Chicago’s client populations
• The applicant’s personal background, experience, or professional background should reflect an ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers, volunteers, and the community we serve
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and to draft documents including letters and basic pleadings is essential

Nice To Haves

• Individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better.
• Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend

Responsibilities

• Conduct telephone and virtual interviews to determine client eligibility for services
• Assist with providing brief services to clients including providing advice, obtaining documents, sending client correspondence, assisting with court filings and communicating on behalf of clients
• Ensure smooth operations of the consumer early resolution program including client registration and advice
• Engage and provide administrative support to staff in the consumer early resolution program
• Attend training and maintain up-to-date knowledge on relevant issues
• Track data related to grant, pro bono work, and assist on related reporting
• Make appropriate referrals inside Legal Aid Chicago and to external partners
• Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorneys and Director

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
• 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays
• Twelve 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
• Monthly internet stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree