Staff Attorney Order of Protection Program - Ascend Justice

This position requires at least 60% of work to be done on-site, subject to change.

Responsibilities

Client Services (approximately 100% of the position)

• With supervisor and colleagues, share management of the Order of Protection clinic and remote hotline, including meeting personal and team goals.
• Provide successful same-day legal assistance for survivors of domestic violence obtaining Emergency Protective Orders.
• Successfully manage 3-5 brief services cases per day when serving as Clinic Manager.
• Supervise volunteers, including attorneys and student interns, as they provide brief legal services in a fast-paced, walk-in legal clinic.
• Provide knowledgeable and skilled legal representation in Order of Protection matters.
• Perform intake functions, interviewing potential clients and gathering information to evaluate cases for representation.
• Represent clients in Emergency Order of Protection hearings.
• Manage a caseload of ongoing Order of Protection cases, including effective representation of clients in negotiations, contested hearings, and motion practice.
• Maintain client files, noting all deadlines, communications, and other relevant information.
• Coordinate with the team’s Client Support Coordinator and other colleagues to ensure that the client receives seamless, holistic services.

Other Responsibilities

• Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings.
• Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks and participating in professional organizations.
• Protect the organization by keeping information confidential.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Work Environment

• This position requires at least 60% of work to be done on-site, subject to change.
• Courthouse and offices are fully accessible.
• Some work at off-site locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.
• Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners.
• Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer.
• Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• Litigation and family law experience preferred.
• Spanish language proficiency, including the ability to interview and represent clients with limited or no-English speaking abilities, is preferred.
• Ability to develop and implement short- and long-term litigation strategies.
• Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training.
• Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training.
• Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of or experience with working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people in crisis.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Sense of humor.

As part of the hiring process, pre-employment verification of licenses and reference checks may be conducted internally by the agency.

Pay

$62,500-$72,500/annual, based on experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Health insurance (lowest level 100% employer paid, 50% premium for dependents employer paid).
  • Dental insurance (employer paid).
  • Short- and long-term disability (employer paid).
  • Life insurance (employer paid).
  • 12 weeks paid parental leave.
  • FSA health, dependent care, and commute (parking & transit).
• Options for 401k and Roth 401k retirement accounts with the option to make employer contributions at year-end.

Schedule

Ascend Justice's offices are currently operating on a hybrid working schedule (in-office/work from home). The schedule for this position will be determined as the position is filled and based on current agency needs.