Staff Attorney - Moline, IL

About the role

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. (PSLS) is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our team in the Moline office. Staff attorneys at PSLS provide a wide range of legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including low-income individuals, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. We focus on legal problems that impact the ability of our clients to meet their basic human needs, such as physical safety, access to healthcare, adequate housing, and financial stability. Prairie State is the only legal aid organization in the majority of our service area, offering high-quality legal services in a motivating, collaborative, and rewarding work environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services to low-income individuals covering housing, family, public benefits, consumer, health, education, and other areas.
• Interview applicants for legal services and assess their legal issues, prioritizing those that impact basic human needs.
• Deliver legal services including legal research, factual investigation, counsel and advice, brief services, document preparation, dispute resolution, and representation in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Develop and maintain networking relationships with local bar associations, government agencies, and community organizations serving our client population.
• Conduct outreach events, including client education and intake at community partner locations.
• Provide accurate and complete information for grant reporting and document services in case records.
• Actively participate in an internal task force related to one or more practice areas.
• Exhibit a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the position and the PSLS mission.

Qualifications

• Candidates admitted to the practice of law in Illinois or eligible for reciprocity are preferred; consideration will be given to law graduates sitting for the next bar exam.
• Experience in trial advocacy and negotiation preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral/written communication, research, 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; must have a valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation.
• Preference given to candidates with experience serving low-income individuals.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including the opportunity to qualify for a wellness credit.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer contributions.
• Extensive training and education program.
• Flex scheduling and partial remote work available.
• Paid time off starting at 3 weeks/year, increasing with tenure.
• Paid sick leave.
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment.
• 12 paid holidays.

Pay

Salary starts at $70,000 per year for newly licensed attorneys and increases with each year of relevant experience.

Schedule

Full-time position at 37.5 hours per week.

About the organization

PSLS is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization serving northern and central Illinois for 45 years. We maintain 11 office locations and have a staff of over 200, including training and litigation staff with extensive experience. Our 36-county service area includes rural communities, suburban areas, and mid-size urban cities, requiring diverse and creative approaches to reach and serve our client population. Employees benefit from local expertise, community connections, and robust program-wide resources. PSLS upholds the highest ratings from Charity Navigator and Guidestar.