Staff Attorney – Kankakee, ILOrganizationPrairie State Legal Services187 South Schuyler AveKankakee, IL 60901United StatesRemote or TelecommutingSome remote allowedJob DescriptionEvery day, people across Illinois are denied the basic rights to which they are entitled under the law simply because they can't afford a lawyer. It's our mission to change that.Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our team in the Kankakee office. Staff attorneys at PSLS provide a wide range of legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including low‑income individuals, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. We focus services on legal problems that impact the ability of our clients to meet their basic human needs, including physical safety, access to healthcare, adequate housing, and financial stability. Prairie State is the only legal aid organization in the majority of our area, and we pride ourselves on providing high‑quality legal services to our clients while fostering a work environment that is motivating, collaborative, and rewarding, with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.ResponsibilitiesProvide legal services to low‑income individuals covering a wide range of legal issues, including housing, family, public benefits, consumer, health, education, and other areasInterview applicants for legal services and assess their legal issues with a focus on those issues that have an immediate impact on their basic human needsProvide legal services, including legal research and factual investigation, counsel and advice, brief services and document preparation, dispute resolution, and representation of clients in administrative and judicial proceedingsDevelop and maintain networking relationships with local bar associations and with local, state, and federal governments and community agencies that serve our client populationConduct outreach events with client communities, including client education and intake events at community partner locationsProvide accurate and complete information for grant reporting to grant funders, including documenting services in the case recordActively participate in an internal task force related to one or more areas of our practicePSLS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to create a welcoming environment. We recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or other characteristics protected by law.QualificationsCandidates currently admitted to the practice of law in the State of Illinois, or admitted in another state and eligible for reciprocity in Illinois are preferred. Consideration will be given to law graduates that will be sitting for the next bar examExperience with trial advocacy and negotiation strongly preferredCommitment and passion for fighting inequityStrong understanding of challenges faced within low‑income communities of color preferredExperience working with the community at large and specifically working with diverse populations preferredStrong interpersonal skillsExcellent oral/written communication, research skills, and computer competencyOrganizational and case management skillsAbility to work effectively as a team memberModerate travel is necessary; valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation is requiredPay Scale and BenefitsThe Staff Attorney position is full‑time, at 37.5 hours per week. PSLS offers a competitive salary compared to similar organizations. The salary range for the Staff Attorney position is $70,000 – $90,231 annually for newly licensed attorneys, with increases for each year of relevant experience. PSLS is committed to providing an excellent, comprehensive benefits package to its full‑time employees that includes:BenefitsHealth insurance, including the opportunity to qualify for a wellness creditDental insuranceVision insurance403b retirement planExtensive training and education programFlex scheduling and partial remote workPTO that starts at 3 weeks per year and increases with additional years workedPaid sick leave6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment12 paid holidays per yearPosition TypeFull-time#J-18808-Ljbffr