Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our team in the Peoria 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 most of our area, and we pride ourselves on providing high-quality legal services to our clients while fostering a motivating, collaborative, and rewarding work environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.ResponsibilitiesAmong other duties as assigned, the Staff Attorney will:Provide 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 practiceExhibit a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the position and the PSLS missionSalary 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, and increases with each year of relevant experience. PSLS is committed to providing an excellent, comprehensive benefits package to its full-time employees that includes:Health Insurance, including the opportunity to qualify for a wellness creditDental InsuranceVision insurance403b Retirement Plan, including employer contributionsExtensive training and education programFlex scheduling and partial remote work availablePTO that starts at 3 weeks/year and increases with additional years worked at PSLSPaid sick leave6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment12 Paid holidaysQualificationsCandidates 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 who will be sitting for the next bar exam.Experience in trial advocacy and negotiation preferredStrong interpersonal skillsExcellent oral/written communication, research skills, and computer competencyOrganizational and case management proficiencyAbility to work effectively as a team memberSpanish language proficiency is preferred, but not requiredSome travel is required; applicant must have a valid driver's license and/or reliable transportationWe will give preference to candidates who have experience providing services to low-income individualsPSLS 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.