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Legal Aid Chicago

Staff Attorney - Public Benefits

Legal Aid Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

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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. We believe all individuals deserve quality civil legal representation regardless of income.

We offer a hybrid work environment in downtown Chicago. Our office is ADA accessible and conveniently located near public transportation and expressways. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events.

Position Full‑time Staff Attorney in the Public Benefits Practice Group, reporting to a Supervisory Attorney.

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of individual cases representing clients before the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Social Security Administration, and in state and federal courts

Interview eligible clients, provide advice, and brief service in appropriate cases

Work with other practice group staff in interdisciplinary work

Maintain knowledge in other areas of law handled by Legal Aid Chicago to identify and meet clients’ legal needs in those areas

Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues

Collaborate with staff, students, and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services

Collaborate on outreach to community groups, develop new strategies for serving clients, or address systemic issues through litigation, negotiation, or advocacy

Participate in community outreach and support legal training and community education for clients and partners serving veterans

Maintain case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system

Assist with grant reporting as appropriate

Handle other duties as determined by Supervisory Attorneys and the Director

Salary & Benefits This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms, and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale based on paid experience. Salary range: $69,433–$77,090 for 0–10 years of paid, credited experience.

Legal Aid Chicago Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including

Bilingual Staff Attorneys receive 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

19 paid holidays, including four floating holidays

Twelve weeks paid parental leave at 100% of salary after six months

403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution after one year

$50,000 basic life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance, at no cost

Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost

Monthly internet reimbursement

Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit and eligible for the federal public service loan forgiveness program

Requirements

Preference for applicants licensed to practice law in Illinois or licensed in another state and willing to waive into the Illinois bar or sit for the next Illinois bar exam

Strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and client counseling skills; genuinely enjoys interacting with clients

Knowledge of and experience with public benefits issues is valued and should be highlighted

The successful applicant will be collegial and demonstrate commitment to and experience with our client communities and people living in poverty

Background should reflect ability to work effectively in cross‑cultural situations with clients, co‑workers, and the community

Ability to work well under pressure

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

To Apply Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, two primary professional references and one alternative reference. For applicants with prior work experience, at least one reference must be a former supervisor. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position remains open until filled.

Legal Aid Chicago is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, ex‑offender status, family responsibilities, reproductive health decisions, or any other protected status.

If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at humanresources@legalaidchicago.org.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding an application status. We will contact candidates who are selected for the next stage of the hiring process.

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