Staff Attorney

The Legal Aid Society (LAS) is the legal services arm of MFS. Since 1886, LAS has been working to strengthen families and ensure equal access to justice by providing free legal services to under-resourced communities, including families experiencing poverty, victims of violence and crime, and the elderly. LAS provides assistance with a wide range of case types, including domestic violence, family law, elder abuse, immigration, human trafficking, expungement/sealing, and housing. With offices in the Chicago area and Decatur, LAS serves clients in Cook County, DuPage County, and Central Illinois.

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Are you looking to have an impact on more than just a company?s bottom line? Then we?d love to hear from you!

We are now hiring for a full-time Staff Attorney at our DuPage office. We are looking for a Staff Attorney that will provide legal advise and represent clients with housing issues, such as evictions, conditions issues, sealing, illegal lock out and etc.

SALARY: The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $70,000 and $75,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Interviews clients; identifies and analyzes legal problems; researches issues; advises clients of options and provides legal advice, often under stressful conditions.
• Advocates and negotiates with adverse parties to favorably resolve cases for clients. Communicates with opposing attorneys, judicial officers, government officials and others as necessary. Supervision may vary depending on complexity of issues. In constant communication with large number of clients.
• Prepares and uses legal documents, discovery materials, agreements and court pleadings in consultation with direct supervisor.
• Represents clients in litigation proceedings under direction of immediate supervisor. Uses discretion and resourcefulness in handling routine cases. Using independent judgment, makes tactical decisions in courtroom settings. Prepares clients and witnesses for trial.
• Handles full caseload of varying complexity. Learns case handling strategy and availability of resources in area of legal specialty.
• May assist in supervising law students and volunteers.
• Works effectively with diverse staff and service population.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills. Must be able to work independently.
• Ability to respond to large numbers of clients in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
• Law Degree and admission to the Illinois Bar required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screening and background checks.

TRANSPORTAION/MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Driving not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and viewing a computer terminal. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package. Find out more by clicking here!

Some highlights include:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage, Guardian Dental Coverage, and VSP Vision Coverage.
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

And so much more! Make sure you click here to see the full suite of benefits offered!

MORE ABOUT US:

Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.