Supervisory Attorney - Housing
About The Position
Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Supervisory Attorney in the Housing Practice Group (HPG). This position will work directly with clients, engage in motion practice and litigation, and further the administration of justice. The HPG seeks to ensure that tenants live in decent, safe, and sanitary housing, free from discrimination and affirmatively furthers fair housing through litigation, negotiation, and advocacy in various venues. The HPG defends tenants – mostly subsidized housing residents -- against unwarranted evictions and represents individuals and families who are facing the termination of their housing subsidies. HPG serves a partner in the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) Early Resolution Program (ERP) providing limited assistance to tenants in Cook County to advise them of their rights, provide referrals, and assist them in reaching agreements with their landlord. HPG is also a partner in City of Chicago Right to Counsel Pilot. The Supervisory Attorney will support all aspects of our litigation and advocacy.
Requirements
- J.D. degree
- Licensed to practice in the state of Illinois or be licensed in another state and able to waive into the Illinois bar.
- At least five years of demonstrated experience
- Experience supervising legal work
- Highly collegial
- Complex litigation experience
- Strong written and oral skills
- Willing to work in an interdisciplinary manner with all Legal Aid Chicago staff
- Enthusiasm about working in a fast-paced practice and training and mentoring less experienced attorneys and advocacy staff.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Experience litigating housing law cases is preferred
- Demonstrated history of innovation is a plus.
- Experience working with people living in poverty strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Maintain a reduced caseload of individual cases in the areas HPG handles
- Supervise attorneys and other staff in HPG including editing their written work, providing guidance on case strategy, co-counseling complex cases, conducting regular case reviews, providing training in substantive areas of law as well as litigation skills, completing performance evaluations, and overseeing professional development
- Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues
- Maintain knowledge in other areas of law handled by Legal Aid Chicago to ensure that clients’ legal needs are identified and met in those areas
- Collaborate on projects that could involve outreach to community groups, developing new strategies for serving our clients, or address systemic issues through litigation, negotiation or advocacy
- Engage in community outreach
- Represent Legal Aid Chicago on relevant community task forces, committees, or other government or non-profit bodies connected with our work
- Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago supervisors, staff, students and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services
- Maintain case files and accurate time records and ensure supervised staff do as well
- Participate in training to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights impacting low-income persons
- Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising.
- Track data related to court-based programs and assist on related reporting
- Assist in reporting and administering applicable grants
- Other duties, as assigned by the Director or leadership team.
Benefits
- Bilingual Supervisory Attorneys are eligible for an additional stipend
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
- 21 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first first year of employment
- 19 paid holidays, including four floating holidays
- Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
- 401(a) retirement plan with an employer contribution after 3 months of employment
- $100,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
- Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
- Chicago Bar Association Membership, at no cost
- Reimbursement of annual ARDC registration fees
- Monthly internet stipend
- Eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
