Description:
Description:For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income. We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice.
Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events.
Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Staff Attorney for our Criminal Records Relief Project, housed within our Pro Bono and Community Partnerships Practice Group (PCG). This position reports to a Supervisory Attorney.
Responsibilities:
- Provide comprehensive legal representation to clients in criminal records relief matters and related matters, including but not limited to expungement and sealing petitions.
- 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 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
- Provide monthly staffing support at the Juvenile Expungement Help Desk, located at 1100 S. Hamilton Ave., Chicago
- 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
Salary and benefits:
This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience.
The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,822-$77,872, which reflects 0-10 years of paid, credited experience.
Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Bilingual Staff Attorneys are eligible for an additional stipend
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
- Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
- 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays
- Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
- 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
- $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
- Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
- Monthly internet reimbursement
- Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program
Requirements:
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 a member of the Illinois Bar or expect to be sworn in to the Illinois Bar following the July 2026 exam. In addition, the successful candidate will have:
- Strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and great client counseling skills
- Some litigation or administrative hearing experience is preferred
- Experience with returning citizens and/or communities impacted by the criminal legal system, and applicants are encouraged to share their experiences in their cover letter
- Enthusiasm for community engagement and speaking to community members and stakeholders confidently about Legal Aid Chicago's work
