Staff Attorney - Public Benefits (HIV+ Legal Project) -...

Staff Attorney - Public Benefits (HIV+ Legal Project) - Legal Aid ChicagoFor 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 120 S. 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.Legal Aid Chicago’s HIV+ Legal Project seeks to meet the comprehensive civil legal needs of people living with HIV.Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Staff Attorney in the HIV+ Legal Project to work with clients living with HIV primarily to obtain and maintain public benefits. This position works within the Public Benefits Practice Group and reports to a Supervisory Attorney.Responsibilities:Maintain a caseload of individual cases representing clients before the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and Social Security Administration and in state and federal courtsInterview eligible clients on issues handled within the HIV+ Legal Project and provide advice and brief service in appropriate casesWork with other practice group staff in interdisciplinary workDevelop knowledge and expertise concerning the unique civil legal needs of people living with HIV, for example, unlawful disclosure of HIV status.Maintain knowledge in other areas of law handled by Legal Aid Chicago to ensure that clients’ legal needs are identified and met in those areasParticipate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issuesWork collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff, students and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal servicesCollaborate on projects that could involve outreach to community groups, developing new strategies for serving our clients, or address systemic issues through litigation, negotiation or advocacyParticipate in community outreach and support legal training and community education for clients and community partners that serve people living with HIVMaintain case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system.Assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicableHandle other duties as determined by the Supervisory Attorneys and the DirectorQualifications: 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 be licensed to practice law in Illinois or licensed in another state (and able to waive into the Illinois bar or be willing to sit for the next Illinois bar)Strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and great client counseling skills and be someone who genuinely enjoys interacting with clientsKnowledge of and experience with public benefits issues and the unique civil legal needs of people living with HIV is valued and should be highlighted in the cover letter and resumeThe 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 letterThe 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 serveApplicants must have the ability to work well under pressureApplicant must have the ability to work well independently and as part of a teamPay scale 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 $69,433-$77,090, 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 stipendMedical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employmentTime Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidaysTwelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment$50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no costAccess to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no costMonthly internet reimbursementLegal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-08