For over 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 more than 70 full-time attorneys, plus volunteers, and staff help resolve legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. In addition to representing individuals in court and administrative hearings, we run community legal clinics, provide know-your-rights workshops, and work with community-based organizations to address emerging issues as well as persistent and chronic problems that affect low-income families. Our work impacts more than 40,000 people each year.
Position Description: A VISTA Attorney serving as LAF’s Community Legal Clinics Project Coordinator will assist with efforts to increase the agency's capacity to serve clients in their communities by coordinating the operations of two community based legal clinics.
Responsibilities: Coordinate the Woodlawn Legal Clinic and the Katten de Diego Legal Clinic every month; ensure clients are properly advised and referred, either to pro bono partners or within LAF; recruit and manage volunteers to work onsite at LAF to assist with client screening and referrals to clinics; maintain and grow relationships with law firm and corporate partners to the clinics to ensure sufficient volunteer participation.
Qualifications:
• Law degree
• License to practice law in Illinois
• Highly developed interpersonal and organizational skills
Term of Service: March 13, 2017 to March 12, 2018.
Program Benefits: Living allowance ($1,026/month), choice of Education Award ($5,815) or End of Service Stipend ($1,500) and Non-Competitive Eligibility status upon successful completion of service, housing supplement ($200/month), transit pass ($100/month), healthcare allowance, life insurance, relocation payment if eligible ($550), and professional development opportunities.
Other Considerations: VISTAs may have part-time 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 February 14, 2017 through the MyAmeriCorps website, found at the following address: my.americorps.gov/mp/recruit/registration.do
*To qualify for national service, 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