Legal Services Counsel

Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) provides compassionate legal support to the clients of the CCLS program covering the counties of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Legal support includes resource guidance, direct representation as well as coordinating referrals to the CCLS volunteer Counsel panel. The objective of the program is to provide quality legal counsel to individuals with little or no ability to afford such services or representation.

Catholic Charities is seeking a full-time Counsel to aid us in this mission, with the following core competencies for the position listed below.

• Work collaboratively with the CCLS Director and other team members, including volunteer Counsel.
• Serve in diverse legal practice areas including, but not limited to, adoption, creditor and debtor issues, guardianship, immigration referral, landlord-tenant issues, government benefits, wills, and probate.
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in civil proceedings.
• Represent clients in court for issues most often including, but not limited to, landlord/tenant disputes, guardianship, orders of protection, and custody disputes.
• Assist clients with self-help legal resources and processes.
• Refer cases to volunteer CCLS attorneys, monitor progress, and provide support.
• Collaborate with the diocesan Catholic Bar Association, where applicable.
• Manage all client information according to confidentiality dictates.
• Develop competency with the Hi Q client management program utilized by CCLS.
• Actively demonstrate compassionate and comprehensive listening skills with all clients seeking assistance.
• Develop community and diocesan relationships to further the mission and enhance the efficacy of the CCLS program.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
• Prefer experience in one or more of the specific practice areas listed.
• Prior experience with in-court representation
• Maturity and flexibility.
• The position requires a valid Illinois Driver’s License and a safe driving history.
• Successful completion of agency background checks and Safe Environment training.
• Must develop proficiency in Hi Q client data management system.