Staff Attorney - Pro Bono & Community Partnerships (Criminal Records Relief at Legal Aid Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

05 Oct, 26

Salary

77872.0

Posted On

07 Jul, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Legal Representation, Criminal Records Relief, Expungement, Sealing Petitions, Client Counseling, Litigation, Administrative Hearings, Community Engagement, Case Management, Legal Training, Grant Reporting, Pro Bono Coordination

Industry

Legal Services

Description

Description For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income. We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice. Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events. Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time Staff Attorney for our Criminal Records Relief Project, housed within our Pro Bono and Community Partnerships Practice Group (PCG). This position reports to a Supervisory Attorney. Responsibilities: Provide comprehensive legal representation to clients in criminal records relief matters and related matters, including but not limited to expungement and sealing petitions. Support volunteer attorneys in providing representation in criminal records relief and other subject matters, as necessary Maintain knowledge in other areas of law handled by Legal Aid Chicago to ensure clients’ legal needs are identified and met Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago supervisors, staff, students and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services Attend and assist with the operation of expungement legal clinics (virtual and in-person), including the supervision of volunteer attorneys Provide monthly staffing support at the Juvenile Expungement Help Desk, located at 1100 S. Hamilton Ave., Chicago Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues Develop and participate in trainings to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about criminal records relief Establish and maintain relationships with community organizations that provide services to individuals with criminal records Track data related to pro bono work and assist on related reporting Design and deliver effective training to pro bono partners Maintain case files and timekeeping in electronic case management system Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising Assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicable Other duties as assigned Salary and Benefits: This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience. The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,822-$77,872, which reflects 0-10 years of paid, credited experience. Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Bilingual Staff Attorneys are eligible for an additional stipend Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost Monthly internet reimbursement Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program Requirements Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better. Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be a member of the Illinois Bar or expect to be sworn in to the Illinois Bar following the July 2026 exam. In addition, the successful candidate will have: Strong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and great client counseling skills Some litigation or administrative hearing experience is preferred Experience with returning citizens and/or communities impacted by the criminal legal system, and applicants are encouraged to share their experiences in their cover letter Enthusiasm for community engagement and speaking to community members and stakeholders confidently about Legal Aid Chicago’s work To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. For applicants with previous work experience, at least one reference must be a former supervisor. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. Legal Aid Chicago is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, ex-offender status, family responsibilities, reproductive health decisions or any other protected status. If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at humanresources@legalaidchicago.org. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding an application status. We will contact candidates who are selected for the next stage of the hiring process.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive legal representation for clients seeking criminal records relief, including expungement and sealing petitions. Support volunteer attorneys, manage legal clinics, and build partnerships with community organizations to address systemic issues.