Description:
The Position:CAL seeks a full time Staff Attorney to join our litigation team. This is a performance based position and compensation is tied directly to the cases you carry. The compensation structure is tiered by years of experience. All attorneys must carry a minimum of 30 active cases and are paid semimonthly via direct deposit.
Compensation:
Under 3 Years — 40% split — $78,000 earning potential
3 Years — 45% split — $87,750 earning potential
4+ Years — 50% split — $97,500 earning potential
5+ Years — 60% split — $117,000 earning potential
5+ Years, 45+ cases held for one year — 65% split — $190,000+ earning potential
CAL is a nonprofit law firm, not a free legal aid organization. Earning potential is based on caseload volume and experience tier.
Work Environment:
This position is primarily remote. In person attendance is required for all court appearances, one monthly staff meeting at our downtown Chicago office, and up to three community legal clinics per year.
Responsibilities:
- Carry a minimum of 30 active cases at all times
- Accept cases assigned by the supervising attorney or Executive Director when active caseload falls below the minimum requirement
- Appear independently at all court dates, hearings, and trials
- Conduct paid client consultations and complete intake through Clio Grow
- Draft and file pleadings, motions, orders, and correspondence
- Manage all case activity from consultation through resolution in Clio Manage
- Delegate appropriate tasks to the case management team and interns
- Attend one in person staff meeting per month at our downtown Chicago office
- Attend up to three community legal clinics per year
- Follow all CAL policies and procedures and uphold the mission of the organization
- Contribute to the continuing development of the organization
- Uphold the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct at all times
Practice Areas:
- Family Law including divorce, custody, visitation, and child support
- Orders of Protection
- Housing Law including eviction defense and landlord tenant disputes
- DCFS Administrative Appeals
- Juvenile Dependency Cases
- Minor Guardianship
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
- Active Illinois law license in good standing, or eligible for Illinois admission
- Minimum 3 years of litigation experience in family or housing law preferred; candidates with fewer than 3 years of litigation experience will be considered
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to manage a high volume caseload independently
- Experience with Clio or a similar case management platform preferred
- Genuine commitment to access to justice and the communities CAL serves
Consultation Policy
All prospective clients complete a required paid 30 minute consultation ($75) before representation begins. The consultation defines the scope of representation in writing before any fee agreement is signed.
Benefits:
Benefits effective after the 90 day probationary period and include , a retirement plan, and paid time off. Health insurance is effective after 60 days. CAL is a PSLF eligible employer. As CAL grows there is a clear path to senior and supervising attorney roles.
To Apply:
Send a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to Chlece Walker Neal Murray, Executive Director, at cneal@chicagoadvocatelegal.com with the subject line: Staff Attorney Application, [Last Name].
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. Chicago Advocate Legal NFP is an equal opportunity employer.
