Staff Attorney - Pro Bono & Community Partnerships (Criminal Records Relief)

The Successful Candidate

• Provide comprehensive legal representation to clients in criminal records relief matters at every step in the expungement/sealing process.
• Support volunteer attorneys in providing representation in criminal records relief and other subject matters, as necessary.
• Maintain knowledge in other areas of law handled by Legal Aid Chicago to ensure that clients’ legal needs are identified and met.
• Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago supervisors, staff, students and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services.
• Attend and assist with the operation of expungement legal clinics (virtual and in-person), including the supervision of volunteer attorneys.
• Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues.
• Develop and participate in trainings to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about criminal records relief.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community organizations that provide services to      individuals with criminal records.
• Track data related to pro bono work and assist on related reporting.
• Design and deliver effective training to pro bono partners.
• Maintain case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system.
• Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising.
• Assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Successful Candidate

Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better.

• Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be licensed to practice law in Illinois or be licensed in another state and able to waive into the Illinois bar, with a preference given to those currently licensed to practice in Illinois.
• Experience in criminal records relief is preferred.
• Applicants must have strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and great client counseling skills.
• Enthusiasm for working with volunteers and confidence in speaking to groups of professionals necessary.
• 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.
• The successful applicant will be collegial 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.
• The ideal candidate will have strong client counseling skills and be someone who genuinely enjoys interacting with clients.