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.
Job Description: Legal Aid Chicago is seeks a full-time staff attorney in the Long-Term Care Practice Group. The Long-Term Care Practice Group advocates for residents of long-term care facilities on a wide variety of issues, including care issues, involuntary discharges, and Medicaid issues. This position will report to a Supervisory Attorney.
Responsibilities:
- Manage a caseload and provide full and effective legal representation to individuals
- Co-counsel with other attorneys and paralegals
- Interview eligible clients on issues handled within the practice group and provide advice and brief service in appropriate cases
- Participate in weekly team meetings to present new cases and reach team consensus on representation
- Achieve and maintain knowledge of the various areas of law, including state and federal laws regulating long term care facilities, Medicare and Medicaid laws, regulations and rules, and other issues facing elderly and disabled clients
- Represent clients in court and administrative hearings, including involuntary discharge hearings and Medicaid appeal hearings
- Conduct outreach regarding legal issues affecting residents of long term care and the Ombudsman program
- Work with other practice group staff in interdisciplinary work
- Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago supervisors, staff, students and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services
- Maintain knowledge in other areas of law handled by Legal Aid Chicago to ensure that clients’ legal needs are identified and met in those areas
- Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues
- Maintain case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
- Collaborate on projects that could involve outreach to community groups, developing new strategies for serving our clients, or address systemic issues through litigation, negotiation or advocacy
- Participate in training to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights impacting low income persons
- Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising
- Maintain proficiency with all equipment, computer hardware and software necessary to perform the duties of the position
- Assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicable
- Handle other duties as determined by the Supervisory Attorneys and the 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.
