Staff Attorney - Joliet, IL - Prairie State Legal Services

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services to low-income individuals covering a wide range of legal issues, including housing, family, public benefits, consumer, health, education, and other areas.
• Interview applicants for legal services and assess their legal issues with a focus on those issues that have an immediate impact on their basic human needs.
• Provide legal services, including legal research and factual investigation, counsel and advice, brief services and document preparation, dispute resolution, and representation of clients in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Develop and maintain networking relationships with local bar associations and with local, state, and federal governments and community agencies that serve our client population.
• Conduct outreach events with client communities, including client education and intake events at community partner locations.
• Actively participate in an internal task force related to one or more areas of our practice.
• Exhibit a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the position and the PSLS mission.

Qualifications

• Candidates currently admitted to the practice of law in the State of Illinois or admitted in another state and eligible for reciprocity in Illinois are preferred.
• Consideration will be given to law graduates who will be sitting for the next bar exam.
• Experience in trial advocacy and negotiation preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral/written communication, research skills, and computer competency.
• Organizational and case management proficiency.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred, but not required.
• Some travel is required; applicant must have a valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation.
• We will give preference to candidates who have experience providing services to low-income individuals.