Staff Attorney - Public Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

3d • 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 or Northwest Indiana. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events. Position : Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Staff Attorney in Public Benefits Practice Group. This position will focus on assisting individuals obtain benefits from the Social Security Administration and Illinois Department of Human Services and will report to a Supervisory Attorney.

Requirements

• Applicants must either be licensed to practice law in Illinois or be licensed in another state (and able to waive into the Illinois bar or are awaiting results from the July 2026 Illinois bar)
• Strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and great client counseling skills and be someone who genuinely enjoys 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
• Applicant must have the ability to work well independently and as part of a team

Nice To Haves

• Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from 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.
• Strong preference for applicants who have demonstrated interest or experience working with people with disabilities

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and grow knowledge of law and procedures related to the benefits administered by the Social Security Administration such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Retirement and Disability Insurance and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) such as Medicaid, and Aid for the Aged, Blind, Disabled (AABD) Cash.
• Work with paralegals assisting clients who will primarily be nursing home residents who need income to transition out of nursing homes
• Conduct intake and gather facts needed for comprehensive legal assessment for potential clients who will primarily be nursing home residents who need income to transition out of nursing homes
• Apply proper eligibility standards, both financial and subject matters, in accepting clients for service
• Assist clients to apply for benefits from SSA and IDHS including completing and submitting application forms and obtaining, preparing, and submitting other documents such as medical records necessary to establish eligibility
• Undertake activities needed to help clients obtain, maintain, and maximize benefits to which they are entitled, including but not limited to: conducting factual and legal research; devising, updating, and implementing case strategies; preparing and presenting cases for case acceptance decisions; preparing cases for hearings; drafting legal documents; negotiating; presenting evidence; conducting oral advocacy in administrative proceedings; and properly maintaining an ongoing client relationship
• Represent clients who have been denied SSA and IDHS benefits in administrative appeals and in state and federal court appeals.
• Maintain knowledge of the case acceptance criteria of the Public Benefits Practice Group and other Legal Aid Chicago Practice Groups to facilitate appropriate internal referrals
• Participate in training agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights impacting low-income persons
• Participate in other activities related to poverty law including outreach, publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising
• Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff, students, and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services
• Maintain case files and accurate case notes and timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Track data related to grants and assist with grant reporting
• Maintain proficiency with all equipment, computer hardware and software necessary to perform the duties of the position
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorneys and Director

Benefits

• Bilingual Staff Attorneys 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: Ph.D. or professional degree