Staff Attorney (Education Law)
For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Position: Legal Aid Chicago has an opening for a staff attorney in the Children and Families Practice Group. The expected start date for this position is November/December 2019.
Responsibilities Include: • Providing comprehensive legal representation to clients in education law matters, including representing clients at special education IEP and 504 Plan meetings, administrative due process hearings pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, school expulsion hearings under the Illinois School Code, sexual harassment matters under Title IX, and various state and federal court proceedings; • Managing a substantial individual caseload of the above cases; • Attending trainings and maintaining up-to-date legal knowledge; • Assisting with grant reporting requirements; • Collaborating on identifying and pursuing solutions to systemic issues; • Conducting community outreach and legal education presentations; and • Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorney and Directo
Qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be licensed to practice law in Illinois or licensed in another state and able to waive into the Illinois bar. Must have strong oral and written communication skills, good organization, and great client counseling skills. Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel frequently throughout Cook County. Familiarity with the following legal areas preferred: special education, school discipline, and child welfare. Experience working with people living in poverty and with youth clients strongly preferred. The applicant’s personal background, experience, or professional background should reflect an ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers and the community we serve.
Salary: Dependent on qualifications and experience level. Legal Aid Chicago offers generous fringe benefits.
To apply: Send resume, cover letter, transcript, writing sample, and the names and contact information of two professional references to resume@legalaidchicago.org. Put the phrase “Education Law Staff Attorney” in the subject line of the e-mail. This position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please. Legal Aid Chicago is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, or ex-offender status. Applicants who have experiences with our client communities are encouraged to apply.