Intake Attorney - Housing

Legal Aid Chicago Intake AttorneyFor 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.Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago at 200 N. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois or Northwest Indiana. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events.The Housing Practice Group (HPG) seeks to ensure that tenants live in decent, safe, and sanitary housing, free from discrimination, through litigation, negotiation, and advocacy in various venues. HPG defends tenants – mostly subsidized housing residents - against unwarranted evictions and represents individuals and families who are facing the termination of their housing subsidies.Legal Aid Chicago seeks three full-time Intake Attorneys for our Housing Practice Group (HPG). These positions primarily involve interviewing tenants in eviction court, issue-spotting, and providing legal advice and brief services. The intake attorney screens applicants for eligibility, assesses their legal issues, and provides other support.Responsibilities:Conduct court-based intakes for clients facing evictionInterview clients remotely to gather facts and analyze their eviction casesCollect and review documents and provide legal advice, counseling, and brief services for clients such as drafting letters, contacting third parties to negotiate potential settlementsReview electronic case filesProvide legal consultation to tenantsSummarize and present cases at staff meetingsTrack data related to grant administration and assist with related reportingMaintain case files and timekeeping in electronic case management systemParticipate in trainings to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights impacting low-income and other vulnerable peopleHandle other duties as determined by the Supervisory Attorneys and leadership teamSalary and Benefits:This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience.The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,822-$77,872, which reflects 0-10 years of paid, credited experience.Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:Bilingual Intake Attorneys are eligible for an additional stipendMedical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employmentTime Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidaysTwelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment$50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no costAccess to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no costMonthly internet reimbursementLegal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness programRequirements:Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better.Requirements:Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be licensed to practice law in Illinois, be licensed in another state and able to waive into the Illinois bar, or expect to be sworn in to the Illinois Bar following the July 2026 examStrong oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and great client counseling skills and genuinely enjoy interacting with clientsThe successful applicant will be collegial and demonstrate a commitment to and experience with our client communities and/or people living in poverty, and applicants are encouraged to share that experience in their cover letterThe applicant's personal background, experience, or professional background should reflect an ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations with clients, co-workers, and the communities we serveApplicants must have the ability to work well under pressureApplicants must have the ability to work well independently and as part of a teamTo Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. For applicants with previous work experience, at least one reference must be a former supervisor. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.Legal Aid Chicago is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, ex-offender status, family responsibilities, reproductive health decisions or any other protected status.If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding an application status. We will contact candidates who are selected for the next stage of the hiring process.