at Legal Aid Chicago (Formerly LAF) in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job 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 by dismantling the legal barriers that perpetuate inequality. Legal Aid Chicago staff live our mission through our core values of equity, excellence, inclusion, kindness, and respect.
Position: Legal Aid Chicago is hiring a full-time paralegal in the Pro Bono & Community Partnerships Group (PCG). PCG supports and advances Legal Aid Chicago's mission by recruiting volunteers and developing, managing, and improving pro bono focused projects. PCG also coordinates Legal Aid Chicago’s community engagement efforts as part of an effort to work collaboratively with the communities we serve.
The paralegal will primarily focus on helping to coordinate volunteer projects. Initially, the position will focus on coordinating the Hibbler Federal Court Pro Se Assistance Program. This Program operates virtually and provides assistance to individuals without an attorney who have civil cases in federal court. The Program is primarily staffed by volunteer attorneys who are experienced in federal litigation and provides advice on federal court proceedings and procedures, assists with reviewing pleadings, helps explain orders, and provides referrals.
Eventually, the paralegal may also assist with other projects coordinated by PCG. The paralegal will help schedule volunteer attorneys, conduct initial client intake, connect clients with volunteers, perform follow-up communication and documentation, and otherwise support volunteers. This position reports to a Supervisory Attorney.
Responsibilities:
- Help recruit, onboard and orient new volunteers
- Schedule volunteers for appointments
- Screen and conduct initial intake of clients
- Provide basic procedural information to clients
- Schedule client appointments with volunteers
- Provide clients with appropriate follow-up information and documentation
- Complete administrative tasks to document client visits and outcomes
- Make appropriate referrals to Legal Aid Chicago and to external partners
- Otherwise support volunteers and attorneys, as needed
- Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
- Track data related to pro bono work and assist on related reporting
- Attend trainings and maintain up-to-date knowledge on relevant issues
- Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorney or Director
Salary: Commensurate with experience. Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including low-cost employer-paid health plan options, employer-provided group life and long-term disability insurance, fitness center access, generous paid time off, and much more.
