For over 50 years LAF has provided people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago with comprehensive free legal services to resolve non-criminal issues. Each year LAF’s more than 80 full-time attorneys and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions.
Position Description: A VISTA Attorney serving as LAF’s Consumer Rights Volunteer Projects Coordinator will coordinate with LAF attorneys in efforts to increase the capacity of the agency’s Consumer Practice Group to serve low-income residents of Cook County seeking assistance with consumer law related issues, such as bankruptcy or advance directives.
Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Consumer Practice Group Director, provide critical support to the LAF and volunteer attorneys staffing the Bankruptcy Court Help Desk, located in the courthouse of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois; assist efforts to increase the number of clients LAF can represent by expanding the capacity of the ADAPT (Advance Directives and Property Transfers for Seniors) Pro Bono project; cultivate and strengthen relationships with senior service providers to raise LAF visibility and position the agency to better serve seniors in their communities.
position the agency to better serve seniors in their communities.
Qualifications:
• J.D. degree
• License to practice law in Illinois
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
Term of Service: February 5, 2018 to February 4, 2019.
Program Benefits: Living allowance ($1,178/month), choice of Education Award ($5,920) or End of Service Stipend ($1,800) and Non-Competitive Eligibility status upon successful completion of service, housing supplement ($200/month), transit pass ($100/month), healthcare allowance, relocation payment ($550 *if eligible).
Other Considerations: VISTAs may have outside employment and pursue an education, as long as it does not interfere with service responsibilities and is approved by a supervisor.
To Apply: Submit a VISTA application by January 8, 2018 through the MyAmeriCorps website, found at the following address: my.americorps.gov/mp/recruit/registration.do
*To qualify for AmeriCorps VISTA, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
LAF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY
Insuring equal justice