Supervisory Attorney - Public Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Supervisory Attorney in Public Benefits Practice Group. The Supervisory Attorney will focus on assisting individuals obtain benefits from the Social Security Administration and Illinois Department of Human Services and will report to the Practice Group Director or Associate Practice Group Director. Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago for over 50 years. Our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. 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.

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.
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 caseload of individual cases representing clients who primarily will be nursing home residents who need income to move out of nursing homes before the Social Security Administration and the Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and in state and federal courts
Supervise attorneys and other staff in the Public Benefits Practice Group who handle a full caseload in the above areas of law, 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.
Engage in systemic advocacy designed to have a lasting, measurable effect on our client community
Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system and ensure staff do as well
Engage in community outreach addressing issues affecting people living with chronic medical conditions
Work with External Relations to administer and report on grants that support the work of the Public Benefits Practice Group
Work collaboratively with supervisors, staff, interns, and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services
Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising
Other duties as assigned by the Associate Director or Director

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 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