Paralegal - Immigrants & Workers' Rights (Employment Law)

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

1d • 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. 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.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree strongly preferred.
• Applicants must have excellent oral and written skills, including the ability to draft letters and basic pleadings.
• Good organizational and information-gathering skills are essential, as is the 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 are required.
• The applicant’s personal background, experience, or professional background should reflect an ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers and the community we serve.

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

What This Job Offers

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