Land of Lincoln Legal Aid seeks staff attorneys to represent low-income persons in our centralized Public Benefits Unit located in the Metro East (St. Clair and Madison Counties). The PBU is a centralized unit focusing exclusively on representing clients in federal and state public benefits matters. The PBU will provide direct client representation to clients throughout our service area and work with our regional offices to strengthen our public benefits practice. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low- income individuals in 65 counties in Illinois. We are committed to seeking justice for 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.
The public benefit attorney will provide zealous representation for our clients in various public benefits matters, including Illinois Department of Employment Security appeals, Social Security Disability and SSI, and government benefit programs such as TANF, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, etc. You will also work with other attorneys, the courts, and other community partners to promote our work, perform outreach and education, and develop impact advocacy strategies.
Responsibilities include:
• Public Benefits representation throughout Land of Lincoln service territory.
• All elements of litigation including client interviewing, investigation, discovery, pleadings,
briefs, and representation at hearings at trial level and appellate levels if appropriate
• Actively participate in community outreach and education
• Building relationships with community partners
• Participate in advocacy efforts with state and national partners
• Other duties as assigned
Compensation:
$75,000+ with license (depending on experience). Excellent insurance and retirement benefits. Land of Lincoln is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
• Illinois license or eligible for Illinois bar admission through reciprocity or bar exam (recent law school graduates welcome).
• Strong commitment to social and racial justice.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work with people of diverse social, economic, and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal, analytical, writing, and organization skills; strong attention to detail.
• Ability to supervise law students, support staff, and volunteers.
• Sense of humor and computer proficiency.
• Highly motivated and demonstrated ability to work independently or as well as part of a team.
Special Working Conditions and Demands:
• Applicants must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and car insurance.
• Applicants must have reliable broadband internet at home, capable of supporting videoconferencing.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to:Clarissa Gaff, Executive Director, c/o Amanda Vivod ********
Land of Lincoln is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from f color, persons with disabilities, women, LBGTQIA+, and gender non-conforming applicants.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
