Paralegal - Housing

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income. We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice. Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events.

Legal Aid Chicago is hiring a full-time paralegal in the Housing Practice Group to primarily support its work in the Early Resolution Program. Paralegals work alongside attorneys and directly with clients on legal issues. This position will work directly with clients, involve court-based intake, and otherwise further the administration of justice. The start date for this position is as soon as possible. The Housing Practice Group (HPG) seeks to ensure that tenants live in decent, safe, and sanitary housing, free from discrimination and affirmatively furthers fair housing through litigation, negotiation, and advocacy in various venues. HPG defends tenants – mostly subsidized housing residents -- against unwarranted evictions and represents individuals and families who are facing the termination of their housing subsidies. HPG is a partner in the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) Early Resolution Program (ERP) providing limited assistance to tenants in Cook County to advise them of their rights, provide referrals, and assist them in reaching agreements with their landlord. HPG is also a partner in the City of Chicago Right to Counsel Program.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree strongly 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
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and to draft documents including letters and basic pleadings is essential
• The ability to quickly and thoroughly gather information from clients and then summarize it concisely
• Demonstrated interest or experience working with Legal Aid Chicago’s client communities
• 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

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.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operations of the early resolution program client registration
• Conduct intake and comprehensive legal screening for new clients
• Assist with providing brief services to clients including obtaining documents, sending client correspondence, assisting with court filings and communicating on their behalf
• Engage and provide administrative support to staff
• Track data related to grant and assist on related reporting
• Attend training and maintain up-to-date knowledge on relevant issues
• 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

• Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree