Description:
A Non-Profit Organization seeks staff attorneys to represent low-income persons in our centralized Public Benefits Unit located in the Metro East (St. Clair and Madison Counties). The PBU is a centralized unit focusing exclusively on representing clients in federal and state public benefits matters. The PBU will provide direct client representation to clients throughout our service area and work with our regional offices to strengthen our public benefits practice. A Non-Profit Organization provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals in 65 counties in Illinois. We are committed to seeking justice for those whose voices might otherwise not be heard; to empower individuals to advocate for themselves; and to make positive changes in the communities we serve.The public benefit attorney will
provide zealous representation for our clients in various public
benefits matters, including Illinois Department of Employment Security
appeals, Social Security Disability and SSI, and government benefit
programs such as TANF, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, etc. You will also work
with other attorneys, the courts, and other community partners to
promote our work, perform outreach and education, and develop impact
advocacy strategies.
Responsibilities include:
- Public Benefits representation throughout A Non-Profit Organization service territory.
- All elements of litigation including client interviewing, investigation, discovery, pleadings, briefs, and representation at hearings at trial level and appellate levels if appropriate
- Actively participate in community outreach and education
- Building relationships with community partners
- Participate in advocacy efforts with state and national partners
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Illinois license or eligible for Illinois bar admission through reciprocity or bar exam (recent law school graduates welcome).
- Previous legal experience a plus, legal aid experience a plus.
- Strong commitment to social and racial justice.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work with people of diverse social, economic, and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
- Excellent verbal, analytical, writing, and organization skills; strong attention to detail.
- Ability to supervise law students, support staff, and volunteers.
- Sense of humor and computer proficiency.
- Highly motivated and demonstrated ability to work independently or as well as part of a team.
