Staff Attorney - Housing

Legal Aid Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•$69,433 - $77,090•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 120 S. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events. 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 serves 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 City of Chicago Right to Counsel Pilot. Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks two full-time Staff Attorneys in our Housing Practice Group. This position will work directly with clients, engage in motion practice and litigation, and further the administration of justice. The start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Requirements

Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be licensed to practice law in Illinois or be licensed in another state and able to waive into the Illinois bar
Strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and great client counseling skills and genuinely enjoy interacting with clients
The successful applicant will be collegial, and demonstrate a commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty, and applicants are encouraged to share that experience in their cover letter
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.
Applicants must have the ability to work well under pressure
Applicants must have the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Conduct court-based intakes for clients facing eviction
Interview eligible clients on a wide range of housing issues and provide advice and brief services where appropriate
Provide representation to clients facing eviction, with an emphasis on negotiation and representation in mediation proceedings
Participate in weekly team meetings to present new cases and reach team consensus on representation
Manage an individual caseload and provide effective legal representation to individuals and/or groups
Maintain and grow knowledge in a specialized area of law, and competence in related areas of law
Track data related to grant administration and assist with related reporting
Maintain case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system
Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff, students and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services
Participate in training agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights impacting low-income persons and other vulnerable persons
Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising as needed and
Handle other duties as determined by the Supervisory Attorneys and leadership team.

Benefits

Bilingual Staff Attorneys are eligible for an additional stipend
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
Time Off: 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 reimbursement
Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program