LCBH seeks an attorney with litigation experience and ideally with experience and expertise in housing, who believes in housing rights for all, and is passionate about social and economic justice. The Pro Bono Coordinator manages the pro bono legal program, supporting and co-counseling with LCBH pro bono partners. The Pro Bono Program works collaboratively with the legal and development departments to increase awareness of the LCBH mission and interacts with a variety of stakeholders including law firms, volunteers, clients, and the general public.
Legal Duties
-Provide legal advice and brief services to renters on housing issues
-Defend renters in eviction court
-Represent tenant unions in building court in order to improve or preserve affordable housing
-Obtain TRO’s to address constructive evictions such as lock-outs, utility shut-offs, and unsafe conditions
-Volunteer Training and Supervision
-Co-counsel/supervise volunteer attorney eviction defense cases and attend court as necessary
-Develop training materials for volunteers and interns
-Conduct new volunteer trainings
-Coordinate orientation sessions for new law student interns
-Attend case acceptance meetings and identify cases to be placed with pro bono attorneys
-Build and maintain a library of sample pleadings and templates for volunteers
-Track volunteer hours and cases and report as necessary to funders and other stakeholders
-Co-counsel impact litigation/appeals with private bar pro bono partners
-Volunteer Recruitment
-Work with staff attorneys to identify pro bono needs and develop and implement new pro bono projects as necessary
-Build and maintain relationships with law firm pro bono programs
-Build and maintain relationships with law school public interest and externship programs
-Develop pro bono marketing and recruitment tools
-Publicize internship and volunteer opportunities
-Represent the agency at public interest and legal aid outreach events
-Conduct outreach to other legal aid providers and community-based organizations
-Write periodic newsletter articles about pro bono volunteers and cases
-Salary commensurate with experience
-Excellent benefits (generous PTO, medical, dental/vision, 401k)
-Position is eligible for enrollment in IBR- Repayment program for federal loans that are based on income and loan may be forgiven in as little as 10 years.
-Must be an attorney licensed in Illinois, or have confirmed eligibility to waive in
-At least 3 years legal experience; more experienced attorneys are encouraged to apply
-Litigation experience, legal aid experience or housing experience a plus
-Experience working with and supervising law students, externs, and legal fellows
-Excellent verbal and written skills
-A commitment to social justice and advocacy on behalf of low income individuals
-The ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with lawyers, and clients from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds
-Fluency in Spanish a strong plus
To apply please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to [email protected]. Please include "Pro Bono Coordinator" in the subject line.