STAFF ATTORNEY, CRIMINAL RECORDS PROGRAM (2 Openings)

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Job location
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Cabrini Green Legal Aid
Street address: 
6 S. Clark St. Suite 200
City: 
Chicago
State: 
Illinois
ZIP: 
60603
Job type: 
Legal - Civil
Position Description: 

Program Overview
The Criminal Records Program provides high-volume legal services to over 5,000 men and women each year in the Chicagoland area who are seeking to remove barriers imposed by their criminal records through expungement and sealing, pardons, health care waivers and certificates.

Position Overview
The primary responsibilities of Criminal Records Staff Attorney are to implement CGLA’s priorities in the criminal records practice, represent clients in criminal records-related matters and to train and supervise fellows, interns, and volunteers to assure quality legal services and representation. Services are performed at CGLA’s office, at remote locations, including Help Desks at the Daley Center in downtown Chicago, South Suburban Cook County (Markham), at the offices of designated community partners, and in Cook County circuit courts.

Essential Duties
• Provide direct legal services to CGLA clients in criminal records matters, maintaining a manageable caseload proportionate to other responsibilities;
• Supervise CGLA’s Criminal Records Help Desks at the Daley Center and Markham Courthouse as assigned;
• Represent self-represented litigants as a “friend of the court” during court hearings at the George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building and other courthouses;
• Maintain up-to-date client information in CGLA’s case management system to ensure accurate data collection and statistical tracking including timely reporting of outcomes;
• Collaborate with assigned Client Support Services staff to improve client outcomes;
• Cultivate and manage relationships with workforce development agencies and other organizations that have formal partnerships with CGLA to provide holistic legal services to clients;
• Schedule and conduct periodic visits at partner organizations to conduct staff training and on-site legal services when applicable;
• Collaborate with CGLA’s attorneys in other program areas to identify criminal records clients who have civil or criminal legal needs and advocate for these clients in noncriminal records legal matters, assisting with housing law, family law, and criminal law cases as co-counsel with supervisory approval when caseload capacity allows;
• Assist with developing educational materials relating to criminal records matters and conduct classes for clients, volunteers, courts, partner organizations and other personnel as assigned;
• Provide advice, support, training, and supervision at community and countywide criminal records summits and at community outreach and educational events as assigned;
• Attend CLE classes and legal community meetings on relevant legal and social justice topics;
• Work with the CGLA leadership team to ensure all program goals are met each fiscal year.

Supervisory Responsibility
May provide occasional supervision to interns and volunteers as assigned.

Required Hours
Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, 40 hours per week. Please note, non-traditional hours – occasional weekends and evenings – are required.

Physical Requirements
None.

Working Conditions
Work is performed in a typical office environment. Travel to all Municipal District Courthouses is required. All applicants must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to access reliable alternative transportation. Access to an automobile is a plus but not required.

Term of Employment
This position is temporary for a term of 12 months from date of hire. Continuation of employment is subject to continuation of funding and amount awarded. Anticipated start date is September 4, 2018.

Benefits
We offer a generous benefits plan that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield - Health insurance, Vision Service Plan – Vision insurance, Principal Dental insurance and 100% employer paid life insurance, (EAP) Employee Assistance Program, Dependent Care and Medical Flexible spending accounts, Pre Tax Programs for parking, local transit for Ventra and Metra and UberPool, and Vanguard 403(b) retirement account. Additionally, CGLA offers generous Paid Time-off, Floating Holidays and 14 paid holidays per year. During the summer months we celebrate Summer Fridays by closing the office early.

Requirements: 

Education
• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois by date of employment.

Experience
0 to 3 years practice experience, preferably in criminal law.

Required Skills
• Experience with Microsoft Word;
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills;
• Be self-driven, highly energetic and innovative;
• The ability to work collaboratively with staff, interns and volunteers;
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and produce quality results;
• Superior interpersonal skills; comfortable working with a diverse population;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and orally;
• Exemplary organizational skills and keen attention to detail.

To apply: 

Please email your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to [email protected].

Type “Staff Attorney, Criminal Defense” in the subject line.

Note: Please mention how you heard about the job announcement in your email or cover letter.

NO PHONE CALLS OR RECRUITING FIRMS PLEASE!

Notes: 
CGLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.
Salary range: 
$44,290.00
Submission deadline: 
Friday, July 6, 2018