Benefits:

FSA Health, Dependent Care, and Commute

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training & development

Supervised by: Managing Director of Systemic Justice Division

Status: Full-time

Ascend Justice is seeking to hire a full-time Attorney to lead its Economic Justice Division. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of relevant legal experience, preferably including litigation experience, as well as the ability to work independently and build out this practice area depending on their own experience. Experience with or knowledge of either employment law, consumer debt, or housing law is preferred but not required. This position works closely with our Incarcerated Survivors team in particular, to provide crucial representation to incarcerated women, who are frequent victims of financial abuse while also having the least access to civil legal assistance.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Services (approximately 95% of the position)

Perform intake functions, interviewing potential clients to evaluate cases for representation.

During initial interviews, provide advice and brief services as appropriate.

Provide high quality representation for survivors of gender-based violence seeking remedies with the following (there is flexibility to expand to related areas as well):

Housing law under the Safe Homes Act;

Employment law under the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (“VESSA”), including litigating VESSA-violation claims at the Illinois Department of Labor;

Crime Victims Compensation through the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, including representing clients with Crime Victims Compensation appeals hearings with the Court of Claims; and

Consumer debt matters relating to economic abuse and / or coerced debt.

Deliver services according to principles of trauma-informed care.

Maintain client files, noting all deadlines, communications and other relevant information.

Coordinate with agency’s Client Support Team and other colleagues to ensure that client receives seamless, holistic services.

Supervise junior attorneys or legal fellows

Volunteers (approximately 5% of the position)

Supervise volunteers including attorneys, students and interns.

Other Responsibilities

Actively participate in required staff meetings, trainings.

Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks, participating in professional organizations.

Protect the organization by keeping information confidential.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Work Environment

Courthouse and offices are fully accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.

Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer.

Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Qualifications

Licensed to practice law in Illinois

Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training

At least three years of relevant experience, including litigation, preferred

Employment, consumer debt, or housing experience preferred

Ability to develop and implement short and long-term litigation strategies

Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training

Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations

Knowledge of or experience with working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence

Ability to work in fast-paced legal environment

Ability to communicate effectively with people in crisis

Strong written and oral communication skills

Flexible, self-motivated

Strong attention to detail

Excellent communication and time management skills

Sense of humor

Ascend Justice is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Ascend Justice does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Ascend Justice is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team. Applicants/clients wishing to lodge a complaint about discrimination in the provision of services can do so by contacting the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The ICJIA nondiscrimination policy can be found on the ICJIA website at http://www.icjia.org/grants/grant-resources. Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to CJA.CivilRightsOfficer@illinois.gov

Flexible work from home options available.