Staff Attorney (Public Benefits)
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 civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income. We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice by dismantling the legal barriers that perpetuate inequality. Legal Aid Chicago staff live our mission through our core values of equity, excellence, inclusion, kindness, and respect.
Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time staff attorney in our Public Benefits Practice Group, with a special focus on representing people living with HIV/AIDS.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain and grow knowledge related to Public Benefits to include benefits administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (e.g. Medicaid, SNAP, TANF) and the Social Security Administration
- Maintain and grow knowledge related legal issues affecting people living with HIV/AIDS, such as wrongful disclosure of HIV status
- Interview eligible clients and assess their legal problems
- Provide appropriate advice and referrals
- Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues
- Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff, students and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services
- Conduct community education and outreach and build relationships with community partners in poverty fighting efforts
- Participate in training to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights impacting low income persons and other vulnerable persons
- Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising
Qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be a member of the Illinois bar or willing to sit for the next Illinois Bar Exam. The successful applicant will be collegial, well organized, and demonstrate a commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty, and applicants are encouraged to share that experience in their cover letter. Applicants must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure. Spanish language fluency preferred.
To Apply: Send your cover letter, resume, transcript, and the contact information of two professional references to: resume@legalaidchicago.org. Please place “PBPG Staff Attorney - Legal Aid Chicago” in the subject line of your e-mail. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. No phone or agency calls, please.