Staff Attorney - Public Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago•Chicago, IL

3d•$70,822 - $77,872•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Staff Attorney in the Public Benefits Practice Group. This position will focus on assisting individuals obtain benefits from the Social Security Administration and Illinois Department of Human Services. The role involves developing and maintaining knowledge of relevant laws and procedures, working with paralegals to assist clients (primarily nursing home residents needing income for transition), conducting client intakes, assessing eligibility, assisting clients with applications, and undertaking activities to help clients obtain, maintain, and maximize benefits. This includes legal research, case strategy development, preparing cases for hearings, drafting legal documents, negotiation, oral advocacy in administrative proceedings, and maintaining client relationships. The attorney will represent clients denied benefits in administrative appeals and court appeals, maintain knowledge of case acceptance criteria for internal referrals, and participate in training, outreach, and other poverty law activities. Collaboration with staff, students, and volunteers is expected, along with maintaining case files, accurate notes, and timekeeping in an electronic system. The role also involves tracking grant data and assisting with grant reporting, and maintaining proficiency with necessary equipment and software. Other duties may be assigned by supervising attorneys and the Director.

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 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.
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.

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
Eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program