SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY—Springfield
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid seeks a senior staff attorney to help low-income families and individuals with consumer cases, bankruptcy, and eviction, in its Northern Regional Office (Springfield, IL). Land of Lincoln Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals in 65 counties in Illinois. We are committed to working for justice with those whose voices might otherwise not be heard; to empower individuals to advocate for themselves; and to make positive changes in the communities we serve. Our attorneys provide holistic legal advocacy in partnership with community organizations, social service agencies, and faith-based groups.
The senior staff attorney in this position will provide zealous representation by defending consumers facing debt collection actions; filing bankruptcies on consumers’ behalf; and defending tenants from eviction and assisting them in obtaining resolution of their cases. The attorney will work with other Land of Lincoln attorneys to establish and maintain relationships with community partners, perform outreach and education, and develop impact advocacy strategies.
Responsibilities include:
• All elements of litigation including client interviewing, investigation, discovery, pleadings, briefs, and representation at hearings at trial level and appellate levels if appropriate; settlement and negotiation where appropriate
• Actively participate in community outreach and education
• Build relationships with community partners
• Supervise support staff, inexperienced attorneys, and law students
• Comply with organizational rules, policies, and procedures
• Other duties as assigned
Compensation:
$70,000+ with license (depending on experience). Excellent insurance and retirement benefits; excellent leave benefits. Land of Lincoln is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the public service loan forgiveness program.
Qualifications:
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois or has requisite credentials for reciprocity
• Minimum five (5) years previous legal experience, preferably in legal aid
• Strong commitment to social and racial justice
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work with people of diverse social, economic, and racial/ethnic backgrounds
• Attention to detail
• Excellent verbal, analytical, writing, and organization skills
• Ability to supervise law students, support staff, new attorneys, volunteers and/or projects
• Highly motivated and demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Computer proficiency required
Special Working Conditions and Demands:
• Applicants must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and car insurance
Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to the Managing Attorney, Melinda Hubele c/o:
Bailey Strumpher, [email protected]