Staff Attorney - Peoria, IL

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. (PSLS) is seeking a Staff Attorney for our Peoria office. PSLS provides a wide range of legal services to vulnerable community members, including low-income individuals, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. We focus on legal problems impacting basic human needs such as physical safety, healthcare, housing, and financial stability. As the only legal aid organization in much of our service area, we offer high-quality legal services in a collaborative and rewarding work environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services to low-income individuals across housing, family, public benefits, consumer, health, education, and related areas.
• Interview applicants for legal services and assess legal issues with a focus on those impacting basic human needs.
• Deliver legal services including research, factual investigation, counsel, 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 grant reporting information and document services in case records.
• Actively participate in an internal task force related to one or more practice areas.
• Demonstrate high personal energy, organization, and commitment to the PSLS mission.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law in Illinois or eligible for reciprocity; consideration given to law graduates sitting for the next bar exam.
• Experience in trial advocacy and negotiation preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, oral/written communication, research, and computer skills.
• Proficiency in organization and case management.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required for travel.
• Preference given to candidates with experience serving low-income individuals.

Benefits

• Health insurance with a wellness credit opportunity.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer contributions.
• Extensive training and education program.
• Flexible scheduling and partial remote work options.
• 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 range: $70,000 – $90,231 annually for newly licensed attorneys, with increases for 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 over 45 years. With 11 office locations and a staff of over 200, we address legal needs in a 36-county service area that includes rural, suburban, and urban communities. Our approach encourages creative strategies to reach and serve clients, supported by robust program-wide resources and a commitment to excellence. PSLS holds the highest ratings from Charity Navigator and Guidestar.