Supervisory Attorney - Housing

About the role

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Supervisory Attorney in the Housing Practice Group (HPG). This position will work directly with clients, engage in motion practice and litigation, and further the administration of justice. The HPG ensures that tenants live in decent, safe, and sanitary housing, free from discrimination, and affirmatively furthers fair housing through litigation, negotiation, and advocacy in various venues. The HPG defends tenants—mostly subsidized housing residents—against unwarranted evictions and represents individuals and families facing the termination of their housing subsidies. HPG serves as a partner in the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) Early Resolution Program (ERP), providing limited assistance to tenants in Cook County to advise them of their rights, provide referrals, and assist in reaching agreements with landlords. HPG is also a partner in the City of Chicago Right to Counsel Pilot.

This position requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois or Northwest Indiana and may require travel to court or other outreach events. The office is located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible, and offers a hybrid work environment with convenient access to public transportation and local expressways.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a reduced caseload of individual cases in the areas HPG handles.
• Supervise attorneys and other staff in HPG, including editing written work, providing guidance on case strategy, co-counseling complex cases, conducting regular case reviews, providing training in substantive areas of law and litigation skills, completing performance evaluations, and overseeing professional development.
• Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues.
• Maintain knowledge in other areas of law handled by Legal Aid Chicago to ensure clients’ legal needs are identified and met.
• Collaborate on projects involving outreach to community groups, developing new strategies for serving clients, or addressing systemic issues through litigation, negotiation, or advocacy.
• Engage in community outreach and represent Legal Aid Chicago on relevant community task forces, committees, or other government or non-profit bodies connected with our work.
• Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago supervisors, staff, students, and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services.
• Maintain case files and accurate time records and ensure supervised staff do the same.
• Participate in training for agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights impacting low-income persons.
• Participate in other activities related to poverty law, including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising.
• Track data related to court-based programs and assist with related reporting.
• Assist in reporting and administering applicable grants.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or leadership team.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligibility for admission on motion).
• Experience in housing law, litigation, or advocacy, with a preference for experience in subsidized housing, eviction defense, or fair housing.
• Supervisory experience or demonstrated potential for supervision.
• Commitment to serving low-income communities and advancing social justice.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment.
• Time off: 21 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment.
• 19 paid holidays, including four floating holidays.
• Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of salary after six months of employment.
• 401(a) retirement plan with an employer contribution after 3 months of employment.
• $100,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost.
• Chicago Bar Association Membership, at no cost.
• Reimbursement of annual ARDC registration fees.
• Monthly internet stipend.
• Eligibility for the federal public service loan forgiveness program.
• Bilingual Supervisory Attorneys are eligible for an additional stipend.

Pay

The budgeted salary range for this position is $95,204 - $105,204, which reflects an applicant with a law school graduation date between 2021 and 2011.