Staff Attorney - Children & Families - Legal Aid Chicago

Staff Attorney - Children & Families - Legal Aid Chicago

Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago for over 50 years. We help resolve issues such as domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Our mission is to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice.

Location:

120 South LaSalle Street, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

We offer a hybrid work environment; this position may require travel to court or other outreach events.

The Children & Families Practice Group advocates for students whose right to an education is threatened, represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in protective order and domestic relations cases against their abusers, and defends parents against unwarranted intrusions by the state.

Legal Aid Chicago has an opening for two (2) full‑time staff attorneys in the Children & Families Practice Group with an immediate start date. These positions report to a Supervisory Attorney or Director.

• Maintain an individual caseload of family law and family defense cases, including:
• Protective order proceedings in the Domestic Violence Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County;
• Divorce and Allocation of Parental Responsibilities proceedings in the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County;
• DCFS investigations and related legal services to prevent an indicated finding and/or the filing of a petition in juvenile court;
• DCFS administrative hearings seeking to expunge wrongful indicated findings of abuse/neglect;
• Service appeals in which our client has a legal right to appeal a placement or service decision with DCFS; and
• Cases in the Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County involving systemic issues of particular concern to Legal Aid Chicago's client population including poverty‑based allegations of neglect, domestic violence, the state’s provision of reasonable efforts to assist in reunification, and the fundamental right to due process;
• Maintain accurate case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system;
• Develop and maintain knowledge in a specialized area of law and competence in related areas of law;
• Work collaboratively with other Legal Aid Chicago staff and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services;
• Interview eligible clients and provide advice and brief services when appropriate;
• Present new cases at weekly case acceptance meetings;
• Provide trainings to service providers and community groups about legal rights impacting low‑income people;
• Collaborate on projects that could involve outreach to community groups, developing new strategies for serving our clients, or address systemic issues through litigation, negotiation, or advocacy;
• Attend trainings and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge on relevant issues;
• Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising as needed;
• Assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicable;
• Other duties as determined by the Supervisory Attorneys and Directors.

Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better.

• Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois or be licensed in another state with ability to waive into the Illinois bar;
• Spanish fluency strongly preferred;
• The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in providing advocacy in gender‑based violence, domestic relations, family defense, or education;
• Strong oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, and client counseling skills are necessary;
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team is important;
• The successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty;
• Applicant’s personal background, experience, or professional background should reflect the…