Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Chicago, IL

Public Interest

Chicago, IL

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Chicago, IL

Attorney

No

Staff Attorney - Pro Bono & Community Partnerships (Criminal Records Relief)

Legal Aid Chicago is seeking a full-time staff attorney with a primary focus on criminal records relief. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team of attorneys, volunteers, and staff who are committed to providing free civil legal assistance to individuals living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. As a staff attorney, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that poverty is not an impediment to justice. This position offers a hybrid work environment, with the option to work both in-person and remotely.

Responsibilities:

- Provide comprehensive legal representation to clients in criminal records relief matters at every step in the expungement/sealing process.
- Support volunteer attorneys in providing representation in criminal records relief and other subject matters, as necessary.
- Maintain knowledge in other areas of law handled by Legal Aid Chicago to ensure that clients’ legal needs are identified and met.
- Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago supervisors, staff, students, and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services.
- Attend and assist with the operation of expungement legal clinics (virtual and in-person), including the supervision of volunteer attorneys.
- Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues.
- Develop and participate in trainings to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about criminal records relief.
- Establish and maintain relationships with community organizations that provide services to individuals with criminal records.
- Track data related to pro bono work and assist with related reporting.
- Design and deliver effective training to pro bono partners.
- Maintain case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system.
- Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising.
- Assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicable.
- Other duties as assigned.

Salary and Benefits:

- Salary range: $68,072-$76,300 (based on paid experience)
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
- 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays
- Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the 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 & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
- Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
- Monthly internet reimbursement
- Eligibility for the federal public service loan forgiveness program

Requirements:

- . degree and licensed to practice law in Illinois, or licensed in another state and able to waive into the Illinois bar (preference given to those currently licensed in Illinois)
- Experience in criminal records relief preferred
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Highly developed organizational skills
- Great client counseling skills
- Enthusiasm for working with volunteers and confidence in speaking to groups of professionals
- Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers, and the community we serve
- Collegial and demonstrate a commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty
- Strong client counseling skills and a genuine enjoyment of interacting with clients

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. Legal Aid Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and 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, please contact Human Resources. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding application status. Only selected candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the hiring process.

Join Legal Aid Chicago and make a difference in the lives of individuals living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. As a staff attorney with a focus on criminal records relief, you will have the opportunity to provide comprehensive legal representation to clients, support volunteer attorneys, and participate in complex litigation and advocacy. This position offers a hybrid work environment, competitive salary and benefits, and the chance to work with a dedicated team of professionals. Apply now and be a part of our mission to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice.