For 50 years, LAF (formerly Legal Assistance Foundation) has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year LAF’s attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, unfair evictions, and juvenile expungements. Our work impacts more than 40,000 people each year.
Position: LAF seeks a litigation paralegal for the Children and Families Practice Group.
Responsibilities: The paralegal will work with the staff of the Children and Families Practice Group. Under the supervision of LAF attorneys, the paralegal will handle intake and screening for LAF’s Education Law work and do follow-up on those cases. The majority of cases are special education or school discipline matters for youth in DCFS care. This includes contact with DCFS caseworkers, foster parents, and youth in care. After intake interviews, the paralegal will present cases at team Case Acceptance Meetings. The paralegal will draft documents including: letters to clients, caseworkers, and other professionals; memoranda describing client needs in education; and summaries of educational records. The paralegal also assists the attorneys with maintaining and organizing legal research.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a college degree and excellent oral and written skills. Excellent organizational skills are essential. Familiarity with the following legal areas preferred but not required: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, school discipline, and DCFS and Juvenile Court issues. Ability to gather information concisely, organize client information, and work collaboratively with attorneys important. Driver’s license and Spanish fluency helpful.
Salary: Depends on experience. Generous fringe benefits.
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of two professional references by January 6, 2017 to: [email protected]. Type “CFPG Education Paralegal” in the subject line of your e-mail. No phone calls, please.
We invite you to share any professional or personal experience that has made you aware of challenges faced by the populations we serve: low-income families and seniors in Cook County.
LAF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY