Staff Attorney – Ottawa, IL

Staff Attorney – Ottawa, IL – Prairie State Legal Services Inc.

Prairie State Legal Services is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our Ottawa office. Staff attorneys provide legal services to low‑income individuals and vulnerable communities, addressing issues that impact clients’ basic human needs.

• Provide legal services to low‑income individuals covering a wide range of issues, including housing, family, public benefits, consumer, health, education, and related areas.
• Interview applicants for legal services and assess their legal issues with a focus on those that have an immediate impact on their basic human needs.
• Conduct legal research and factual investigation; counsel and advise clients; prepare briefs and documents; represent clients in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Develop and maintain networking relationships with local bar associations, government agencies, and community organizations that serve our client population.
• Conduct outreach events with client communities, including education and intake events at partner locations.
• Provide accurate and complete information for grant reporting to funders, including documenting services in the case record.
• Actively participate in internal task forces related to one or more practice areas.
• Exhibit a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the role and the PSLS mission.

Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week. Starting salary $70,000 per year for newly licensed attorneys, with increases for each year of relevant experience. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions; extensive training and education program; flexible scheduling and partial remote work; PTO starting at 3 weeks per year (increasing with tenure); paid sick leave; 6 weeks paid parental leave after one year;

and 12 paid holidays.

• Current admission to the practice of law in Illinois or admission in another state with eligibility for Illinois reciprocity; consideration given to law graduates who will sit for the next bar exam.
• Experience in trial advocacy and negotiation preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
• Excellent research skills and computer competency.
• Organizational and case‑management proficiency.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required.
• Some travel required; valid driver’s license or reliable transportation necessary.
• Preference for candidates who have experience providing services to low‑income individuals.

PSLS is an equal‑opportunity employer that strives to create a welcoming environment. We recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.