Part-time Staff Attorney Incarcerated Survivors

ASCEND JUSTICE•Chicago, IL

6d•$31,250 - $36,250•Hybrid

About The Position

ASCEND JUSTICE is seeking a part-time attorney in the Family Law Program to work specifically with women and gender-expansive clients who have been incarcerated or are under correctional control. This role involves screening potential clients for legal issues in a wide variety of areas, with an increased focus on family law. This position involves a partnership between Ascend Justice and the Women’s Justice Institute supporting the City of Chicago’s first Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC) specifically for women and gender-expansive people who are impacted by the criminal legal system.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law in Illinois
Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training
Ability to develop and implement short- and long-term litigation strategies
Passionate about Ascend Justice’s mission.
Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training
Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations
Knowledge of or experience working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence
Ability to work in a fast-paced legal environment
Ability to communicate effectively with people in crisis
Strong written and oral communication skills
Flexible, self-motivated
Strong attention to detail
Excellent communication and time management skills
Sense of humor

Nice To Haves

Prior legal experience in family law and/or working with survivors impacted by gender-based violence and/or incarceration.
Experience working with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated populations or personal experience preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Provide screenings for a minimum of six to eight potential clients each month to identify potential legal issues in areas related to family law, order of protection, immigration, family defense, economic justice, social security, public benefits, housing law, and criminal records.
Create a referral network for identified legal issues outside of Ascend Justice program areas.
Facilitate internal referrals for potential clients with identified legal issues within Ascend Justice priorities.
Carry a caseload of 8-10 cases related to family law with varying levels of service, including advice, brief services, drafting of court documents, and full representation in court.
Provide screenings for legal needs for clients impacted by the criminal legal system and reentering the city of Chicago.
Provide a variety of advice and brief service appointments, including preparation of court documents.
Manage a caseload of ongoing cases at varying levels of service, including in-court representation.
Deliver services according to principles of trauma-informed care.
Perform intake functions, interviewing potential clients to evaluate cases for representation.
Maintain client files, noting all deadlines, communications, and other relevant information.
Coordinate with the agency’s Client Support Coordinator and other colleagues to ensure that clients receive seamless, holistic services.
Supervise volunteers including attorneys, students and interns.
Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings.
Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks, participating in professional organizations.
Protect the organization by keeping information confidential.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.