Public Benefits Unit Attorney

PUBLIC BENEFITS UNIT ATTORNEY — Land of Lincoln Legal Aid seeks staff attorneys to represent low-income persons in our centralized Public Benefits Unit located in the Metro East (St. Clair and Madison Counties). The PBU is a centralized unit focusing exclusively on representing clients in federal and state public benefits matters. The PBU will provide direct client representation to clients throughout our service area and work with our regional offices to strengthen our public benefits practice. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low- income individuals in 65 counties in Illinois. We are committed to seeking justice for those whose voices might otherwise not be heard; to empower individuals to advocate for themselves; and to make positive changes in the communities we serve.   The public benefit attorney will provide zealous representation for our clients in various public benefits matters, including Illinois Department of Employment Security appeals, Social Security Disability and SSI, and government benefit programs such as TANF, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, etc. You will also work with other attorneys, the courts, and other community partners to promote our work, perform outreach and education, and develop impact advocacy strategies.   Responsibilities include: •  Public Benefits representation throughout Land of Lincoln service territory. •  All elements of litigation including client interviewing, investigation, discovery, pleadings,  briefs, and representation at hearings at trial level and appellate levels if appropriate •  Actively participate in community outreach and education •  Building relationships with community partners •  Participate in advocacy efforts with state and national partners •  Other duties as assigned   Compensation: $75,000+ with license (depending on experience). Excellent insurance and retirement benefits. Land of Lincoln is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program.