Description:
A Non-Profit Organization's Community Holistic Defense Staff Attorney is passionate about representing juvenile and emerging adults (24 years or younger). The attorney's primary responsibility will be to provide A Non-Profit Organization's unique model of holistic, community-based, zealous, and competent legal representation to emerging adults from Austin, East and West Garfield Park, and North Lawndale. Attorneys are part of an interdisciplinary team of partners that includes case managers, outreach workers, and community allies who provide holistic, restorative legal defense services in adult criminal court. This attorney reports to the Supervisor of the Holistic Defense Legal Team.Responsibilities:
- Zealous representation of indigent youth at all stages of criminal court proceedings
- Visiting police stations when a client is in custody (including weekends and evenings)
- Appearing in court for all hearings, from bond court to probation status checks
- Conducting or directing case investigations, including witness interviews and scene visits
- Researching, writing, and litigating pre-trial motions
- Serving as first or second chair in hearings and trials
- Creating “mitigation packets” to create a powerful and genuine narrative about a client to use in plea negotiations, with an eye towards avoiding permanent felony convictions and incarceration
- Working closely with A Non-Profit Organization's social services staff, legal interns, and partners to ensure that needed legal and social services are integrated and coordinated for clients
- Collaborating with North Lawndale Community Restorative Justice Hub partners as well as any other Community Partners and Cook County system partners to serve our clients holistically and coordinate referrals.
- Collaborating with pro bono partners on cases at the direction of the Holistic Defense Team Supervisor
- Utilizing current social science research about adolescents and emerging adults in approach to clients, court advocacy, and negotiations
- Keeping updated and detailed paper and electronic files and database records
- Continuously seeking professional development through trainings
- Attending meetings internally and with other organizations and agencies
- Attending community events in the areas we serve
- Additional job duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Licensed to practice in Illinois or eligibility for admission to the Illinois bar.
- 2+ years of criminal defense trial experience
- Strong trial advocacy skills
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Passion for social justice, particularly as it relates to the criminal justice system
- Cultural sensitivity – ability to work with a diverse staff, clients, and community partners
- Highly resourceful and able to initiate and manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Ability to work independently and effectively manage an active caseload
- Ability to perform in high stress situations
- Ability to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends as necessary
- Valid driver's license, car, and proof of insurance required
- Individuals from, or with connections to, the areas we service/adjacent neighborhoods will be given special consideration
- Familiarity with restorative justice practices is a plus
- Familiarity with civil and immigration law is a plus
- Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus
- Minorities encouraged to apply