Paralegal - Immigrants & Workers' Rights (Employment Law)

Legal Aid Chicago•Chicago, IL

4h•$46,675 - $51,428•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid Chicago's Employment Law team in the Immigrants & Workers’ Rights Practice Group seeks a full-time paralegal to assist our Employment attorneys in cases involving workers’ rights. Paralegals work alongside attorneys and directly with clients on legal issues including, among other matters, unlawful discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment), retaliation, denial of leave, workplace accommodations of disabilities, wage theft, and unemployment insurance benefits. This position reports to a Supervisory Attorney.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree strongly preferred
Excellent oral and written skills, including the ability to draft letters and basic pleadings
Good organizational and information-gathering skills
Ability to work collaboratively with others
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and use new technology as needed
Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers and the community we serve
Residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois

Nice To Haves

Spanish proficiency is a plus

Responsibilities

Provide litigation support to attorneys, including court and administrative agency filings, document collection, outreach materials, drafting letters, and file maintenance
Assist with case assessment and preparation, including obtaining clients’ personnel files from their employers, filing administrative complaints, obtaining supporting documents for pending cases
Conduct intake and interview clients to determine the nature of their potential claims and possible remedies
Provide advice and referrals to individuals not accepted as clients and make appropriate referrals alternative legal services and social services
Maintain knowledge of the case acceptance criteria of other Legal Aid Chicago Practice Groups to facilitate appropriate internal referrals
Make appropriate referrals inside Legal Aid Chicago and to external partners
Assist attorneys with administrative tasks and support attorneys in all stages of litigation
After receiving training and with supervision, represent clients in hearings before Administrative Law Judges in their claims for unemployment benefits
Attend training and maintain up-to-date knowledge on relevant issues
Attend twice-weekly team meetings
Track data related to grant and assist on related reporting
Assist with outreach and training
Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
Other duties as designated by the Supervisor or 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
Eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program