Paralegal - Consumer

About the role

Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago for over 50 years, helping resolve civil legal problems such as domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. The organization operates on the principle that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation regardless of income, and works to ensure poverty is not an impediment to justice. This position is part of a hybrid work environment; the office is located downtown at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible, and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. Candidates must reside in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois. Legal Aid Chicago seeks two full‑time paralegals in the Consumer Practice Group to work alongside attorneys and directly with clients, primarily supporting the Early Resolution Program (ERP) with Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt and the Pro Se Bankruptcy Help Desk funded by the Chicago Bar Foundation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct telephone and virtual interviews to determine client eligibility for services
• Assist with providing brief services to clients including providing advice, obtaining documents, sending client correspondence, assisting with court filings and communicating on behalf of clients
• Communicate with pro se bankruptcy help desk volunteers and clients to coordinate appointments and provide brief bankruptcy‑related advice
• Ensure smooth operations of the consumer early resolution program and pro se bankruptcy help desk including client registration and advice
• Provide advice and referrals to individuals not accepted as clients and make appropriate referrals to additional or alternative legal services and to necessary social services
• Engage and provide administrative support to staff in the consumer early resolution program and pro se bankruptcy help desk
• Attend training and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge on relevant issues
• Track data related to grant, pro bono work, and assist on related reporting
• Make appropriate referrals inside Legal Aid Chicago and to external partners
• Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorneys and Director

Benefits

• Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• Time Off: 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 stipend

Pay

The position is covered by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which sets employment terms and compensation according to the CBA salary scale based on paid experience. The budgeted salary range for this role is $46,675–$51,428, reflecting 0–10 years of paid, credited experience.