Staff Attorney - Pro Bono & Community Partnerships (Criminal Records Relief)

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

2d • $70,822 - $77,872 • Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Staff Attorney for its Criminal Records Relief Project, which is part of the Pro Bono and Community Partnerships Practice Group. This role involves providing comprehensive legal representation to clients in criminal records relief matters, such as expungement and sealing petitions. The position operates within a hybrid work environment, with the office located in downtown Chicago. The role requires collaboration with supervisors, staff, students, and volunteers, as well as attendance and operation of expungement legal clinics. Additionally, the Staff Attorney will provide support at the Juvenile Expungement Help Desk, participate in complex litigation, develop and deliver trainings, and build relationships with community organizations. The position also involves tracking data, designing training for pro bono partners, maintaining case files, and potentially participating in other poverty law activities like legislative advocacy and fundraising. The position reports to a Supervisory Attorney.

Requirements

• J.D. degree.
• Member of the Illinois Bar or expect to be sworn in to the Illinois Bar following the July 2026 exam.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Highly developed organizational skills.
• Great client counseling skills.

Nice To Haves

• Some litigation or administrative hearing experience is preferred.
• Experience with returning citizens and/or communities impacted by the criminal legal system.
• Enthusiasm for community engagement and speaking to community members and stakeholders confidently about Legal Aid Chicago’s work.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal representation to clients in criminal records relief matters and related matters, including but not limited to expungement and sealing petitions.
• Support volunteer attorneys in providing representation in criminal records relief and other subject matters, as necessary.
• Maintain knowledge in other areas of law handled by Legal Aid Chicago to ensure clients’ legal needs are identified and met.
• Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago supervisors, staff, students and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services.
• Attend and assist with the operation of expungement legal clinics (virtual and in-person), including the supervision of volunteer attorneys.
• Provide monthly staffing support at the Juvenile Expungement Help Desk, located at 1100 S. Hamilton Ave., Chicago.
• Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues.
• Develop and participate in trainings to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about criminal records relief.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community organizations that provide services to individuals with criminal records.
• Track data related to pro bono work and assist on related reporting.
• Design and deliver effective training to pro bono partners.
• Maintain case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system.
• Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising.
• Assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level