For the past 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. Its work helps about 35,000 people annually.
Position: The Housing Practice Group at LAF is seeking one full-time attorney to help low-income tenants by:
• Defending tenants – mostly subsidized housing residents -- against unwarranted evictions.
• Representing individuals and families who are facing the termination of their tenant-based rental assistance under the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
• Preventing landlords from evicting tenants without authority of law.
• Ensuring that tenants who reside in buildings that are facing foreclosure have enough time and resources to locate new and suitable housing.
• Educating tenants about their rights.
• Representing tenant groups.
• Collaborating with other tenants’ rights advocates.
• Identifying and litigating “impact cases.”
LAF’s Housing Practice Group currently has a director, two supervisory attorneys, seven staff attorneys, and a paralegal. The advertised position provides an excellent opportunity to use and sharpen litigation skills, engage in community outreach and education, and work collaboratively with others, both inside and outside LAF.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be a member of the Illinois Bar. A strong interest in the area of housing law and the ability to communicate effectively with clients are required. The ability to speak Spanish fluently is preferred.
Applications: Send a cover letter, law school transcript, resume, writing sample, and the names of two professional references by January 6, 2017 to: [email protected]. Remember to write “Housing Attorney” in the subject line of your e-mail. No phone calls please.
The position(s) will remain open until filled.
LAF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY