Staff Attorney - Medical-Legal Partnerships

Legal Aid Chicago•Chicago, IL

12d•$70,822 - $77,872•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to join its Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLP) Group. The group brings together legal, medical, and public health professionals to address social determinants of health and interrupt cycles of inequity for vulnerable populations. Legal Aid Chicago’s MLPs partner with hospitals and health care providers to address legal needs that negatively affect clients’ health and well-being. Its active partnerships are Health Forward/Salud Adelante with the Cook County Health and Hospitals System and Recovery Legal Care with the University of Chicago Hospital. The position handles a broad range of legal issues, with a primary emphasis on public benefits and related stability concerns. Work includes advocacy involving SNAP, TANF, AABD Cash, Medicaid, other Illinois Department of Human Services programs, SSI and disability benefits, and Crime Victims Compensation. The attorney also collaborates with other practice groups on housing, employment, personal safety, immigration, criminal records, consumer and financial matters, and other legal issues as appropriate. Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. The office is in downtown Chicago and is ADA accessible, with access to public transportation and expressways. The position requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois and may require travel to court or outreach events. Compensation is determined by the collective bargaining agreement salary scale based on paid experience. The budgeted salary range is $70,822–$77,872, reflecting 0–10 years of paid, credited experience.

Requirements

Be licensed to practice law in Illinois; be licensed in another state and eligible to waive into the Illinois bar; or have a J.D., have passed the Illinois bar, and be awaiting admission.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn and use new technology.
Highly developed organizational and case management skills.
Trauma-informed client counseling skills and ability to manage vicarious trauma.
Demonstrated commitment to and experience with communities impacted by poverty and systemic inequity.
Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary and team-based settings.
Ability to communicate legal concepts effectively to non-legal audiences, including through regular presentations to medical partners.
Residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language proficiency.
Direct experience with communities Legal Aid Chicago serves or perspectives that help the organization understand and serve its clients.
Illinois bar licensure is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of individual client matters, emphasizing public benefits and related administrative advocacy.
Interview and counsel clients on a range of legal issues and provide advice and brief services, including some services at hospitals or health clinics.
Represent clients before administrative agencies, including the Social Security Administration and Illinois Department of Human Services, and handle court-based litigation when it arises.
Develop and maintain expertise in health-harming legal needs affecting MLP client populations.
Collaborate with Legal Aid Chicago colleagues across practice groups to provide holistic legal services.
Engage in complex litigation or advocacy addressing systemic issues, with supervision and co-counseling support.
Partner with medical, care coordination, and behavioral health teams to support the MLP service model.
Participate in outreach, legal trainings, and education for health care partners.
Assist with data collection, reporting, and quality improvement activities related to partner and funder requirements.
Maintain accurate case records and timekeeping in the electronic case management system.
Participate in other legal aid practice activities, including permissible legislative or administrative advocacy, speaking engagements, and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Bilingual Staff Attorney stipend eligibility.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective on the first day of employment.
15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment.
19 paid holidays, including four floating holidays.
12 weeks of paid parental leave at 100% of 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 and dismemberment insurance at no cost.
Employee Assistance Program resources at no cost.
Monthly internet stipend.
Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program as an employee of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.