Staff Attorney

About the role

The Legal Aid Society (LAS) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to join the Health Housing and Economic Stability Practice Group. LAS is a legal services organization founded in 1886 that provides free legal services to under-resourced communities, including those facing poverty, violence, and elder abuse. Based in Chicago and Decatur, LAS serves Cook County, DuPage County, and Central Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation to clients dealing with housing issues, such as eviction defense, condition issues, preservation of subsidies, return of security deposits, and other housing issues in the Chicagoland area.
• Interview clients, identify legal problems, advise clients of options, and provide legal advice, often under emotional and stressful conditions.
• In constant communication with large number of clients. Assess clients for other legal and supportive needs.
• Handle a full caseload of varying complexity using independent judgment, advocacy, negotiation, and litigation to favorably resolve issues for clients.
• Draft legal documents, discovery material, agreements, and court pleadings as necessary.
• Maintain documents, data, and other information required by various funders.
• Ensure all case files and case data are timely and accurately updated.
• Identify systemic issues affecting communities served by LAS and participate in developing creative strategies to address them.
• Provide training, consultation, and support to agency staff in area of specialization.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor AND active member of the Illinois Bar or admission within 3 months from hire.
• Relevant experience in the general practice of public interest law preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of liability insurance and a good driving record.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills.
• Excellent writing, recordkeeping, and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise appropriate independent judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.

Benefits

Metropolitan Family Services offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Aetna Medical Coverage
• Guardian Dental Coverage
• VSP Vision Coverage
• $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility