Telephone Counseling Attorney
The Organization
Prairie State Legal Services is a not-for-profit legal aid organization that provides civil legal aid services to the poor, elderly, and people with disabilities. Prairie State has 12 offices serving 36 counties throughout northern and central Illinois. Prairie State focuses services on legal problems that impact the ability of our clients to meet their basic human needs, including physical safety, access to healthcare, adequate housing, and similar needs. It is the only legal aid organization in the majority of its service area. Annually, PSLS handles over 22,000 applications for legal help and serves over 16,000 clients, with primary intake and legal advice services centralized via our telephone counseling service. We pride ourselves on fostering a work environment that is motivating, collaborative, and fun, with plenty of opportunities for professional growth. More information is available on our website at www.pslegal.org
Job Description
The Telephone Counseling Service includes about 7 non-attorney intake specialists and 15 attorneys who qualify applicants for service and provide legal advice by phone on a variety of civil legal issues, including housing, family, public benefits, and education and consumer law. The attorneys also refer clients for additional service within PSLS where resources permit and outside of PSLS as appropriate. This is a part-time position, 20 hours per week, and the required hours are 9am-2pm Monday through Thursday.
Responsibilities
Among other duties as assigned, the Telephone Counseling Attorney will:
- Interview and advise clients calling from throughout our service area who are in need of assistance with diverse legal issues
- Evaluate clients’ legal issue, conduct research while the caller is on the telephone, and provide legal advice relevant to the clients’ needs
- Exhibit a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the position and the PSLS mission
Salary and Benefits
Part-time position, 20 hours per week, required hours are 9-2 Monday through Thursday. Salary is $25.12/hour. Part-time employees are provided with generous leave time and the opportunity to enroll in the organization’s retirement plan. Employees in good standing may be considered for a partial telecommuting schedule after six months of employment.
Qualifications
- Must be seeking part-time work
- Currently admitted to the practice of law in the State of Illinois
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent oral/written communication, research skills, and computer competency
- Ability to work effectively as a team member
- Candidates who are Spanish-English bilingual are highly preferred.
Qualifications
- Must be seeking part-time work
- Currently admitted to the practice of law in the State of Illinois
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent oral/written communication, research skills, and computer competency
- Ability to work effectively as a team member
- Candidates who are Spanish-English bilingual are highly preferred.
Application Details
Please indicate “Waukegan Telephone Counseling Attorney” in the subject line and email a cover letter explaining your interest, experience, and reason why you are interested in part-time work, resume, and three references to:
- Director of Human Resources Jessica Hodierne at jkhodierne@pslegal.org
- Program Administrator Connie Peterson at cpeterson@pslegal.org
Resumes accepted until position is filled
Prairie State Legal Services is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We will recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.