Job Posting
Staff Attorney - Safe Families Program
Location
Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services
555 W. Harrison
Chicago, IL 60607
United States
Job Description
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provides legal representation to complaining witnesses in criminal domestic violence cases who have children in common with the defendant and are requesting an order of protection in conjunction with the prosecution, at 555 W. Harrison.
- Works to ensure that all complaining witnesses (victims) with children in common with the offender have an opportunity to seek an order of protection in conjunction with the criminal case.
- Works with the State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO), the clerk’s office, and the court to ensure efficient litigation and access to remedies.
- Interviews clients. Identifies complex legal problems by use of highly analytical research skills, advises clients of options, and provides legal advice, often under emotional and stressful conditions.
- Uses advanced advocacy and negotiation techniques to change positions of adverse parties and favorably resolve issues for clients. Communicates with opposing attorneys, judicial officers, government officials, and others as necessary. In constant communication with large number of clients.
- Using independent judgment, creates and uses legal documents, discovery material, agreements, and court pleadings as necessary. Prepares briefs in cases where an issue turns upon an unusual or novel point of law.
- Represents clients in litigation proceedings. Based on knowledge of advanced trial techniques, independently prepares and tries all but the most highly complex cases, demonstrating a consistently high level of litigation skill.
- Handles a full caseload of varying complexity. Highly experienced with all aspects of case handling strategy and availability of judicial and non-judicial resources in area of legal specialty.
- Identifies systemic issues affecting low-income clients and participates in developing creative strategies to address them.
- Provides training, consultation, and support to agency staff in area of specialization.
- May engage in appellate practice upon determination of appropriate issue.
- Assists in training and provides supervision to law students, paralegals, and volunteers.
- Serves on program and/or agency-wide committees.
- May participate in educational and public relations activities relating to LAB by public speaking or preparation of written material for publication.
- May be assigned to represent agency in organized bar, court and/or political settings on agency- wide issues.
- Works effectively with diverse staff and service population.
SALARY:
Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $62,905.
- Provides legal representation to complaining witnesses in criminal domestic violence cases who have children in common with the defendant and are requesting an order of protection in conjunction with the prosecution, at 555 W. Harrison.
- Works to ensure that all complaining witnesses (victims) with children in common with the offender have an opportunity to seek an order of protection in conjunction with the criminal case.
- Works with the State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO), the clerk’s office, and the court to ensure efficient litigation and access to remedies.
- Interviews clients. Identifies complex legal problems by use of highly analytical research skills, advises clients of options, and provides legal advice, often under emotional and stressful conditions.
- Uses advanced advocacy and negotiation techniques to change positions of adverse parties and favorably resolve issues for clients. Communicates with opposing attorneys, judicial officers, government officials, and others as necessary. In constant communication with large number of clients.
- Using independent judgment, creates and uses legal documents, discovery material, agreements, and court pleadings as necessary. Prepares briefs in cases where an issue turns upon an unusual or novel point of law.
- Represents clients in litigation proceedings. Based on knowledge of advanced trial techniques, independently prepares and tries all but the most highly complex cases, demonstrating a consistently high level of litigation skill.
- Handles a full caseload of varying complexity. Highly experienced with all aspects of case handling strategy and availability of judicial and non-judicial resources in area of legal specialty.
- Identifies systemic issues affecting low-income clients and participates in developing creative strategies to address them.
- Provides training, consultation, and support to agency staff in area of specialization.
- May engage in appellate practice upon determination of appropriate issue.
- Assists in training and provides supervision to law students, paralegals, and volunteers.
- Serves on program and/or agency-wide committees.
- May participate in educational and public relations activities relating to LAB by public speaking or preparation of written material for publication.
- May be assigned to represent agency in organized bar, court and/or political settings on agency- wide issues.
- Works effectively with diverse staff and service population.
SALARY:
Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $62,905.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Law Degree and admission to the Illinois Bar or admission within 3 months from hire, required.
- Relevant experience in public interest, family law, or domestic violence law, preferred.
- Bilingual English/Spanish, preferred.
- Demonstrated history of working diverse communities, and ideally experience aiding victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent work management skills.
- Must be able to work independently.
- Ability to respond to a large numbers of clients in a professional and empathetic manner.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
- Employment with MFS requires proof of vaccination or an approved Medical exemption, required.
- Attorneys who primarily serve victims of domestic violence must, upon hire, enroll for training and receive a 40-Hour - Domestic Violence Certification within 12 weeks of employment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
MFS staff are required to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved Medical exemption prior to starting employment. IF approved Medical exemption is obtained, weekly testing is required.
- Law Degree and admission to the Illinois Bar or admission within 3 months from hire, required.
- Relevant experience in public interest, family law, or domestic violence law, preferred.
- Bilingual English/Spanish, preferred.
- Demonstrated history of working diverse communities, and ideally experience aiding victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent work management skills.
- Must be able to work independently.
- Ability to respond to a large numbers of clients in a professional and empathetic manner.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
- Employment with MFS requires proof of vaccination or an approved Medical exemption, required.
- Attorneys who primarily serve victims of domestic violence must, upon hire, enroll for training and receive a 40-Hour - Domestic Violence Certification within 12 weeks of employment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
MFS staff are required to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved Medical exemption prior to starting employment. IF approved Medical exemption is obtained, weekly testing is required.
Compensation
Depends on experience
Position type
Full-time
How to Apply
https://recruiting.ultipro.com/MET1011METRF/JobBoard/15c3e95c-3b21-790a-16f3-df13fbde06e5/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=42076b02-3c75-4c0e-a5c0-36e30c74674e
Deadline:
Until filled