Community Lawyer

Citizen Advocacy Center; Elmhurst (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible time off

Participation in profit-sharing plan

Job summary

A nonprofit organization promoting democracy in Elmhurst, Illinois is seeking a passionate community lawyer to advance public interest law. The role involves engaging with community groups, conducting legal research, and advocating for civic engagement policies. Ideal candidates are licensed in Illinois and have a strong commitment to justice and democratic values. Compensation is between $55,000 - $60,000 with benefits including health insurance and a hybrid work schedule.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• Desires a long-term career in public interest law.
• Passionate about democracy and uprooting injustice.

Responsibilities

• Engage with individuals and organizations on public concerns.
• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Organize campaigns for community groups.
• Testify at government meetings.
• Educate the public on democratic participation.
• Monitor local governments for abuses of power.
• Support litigation for democratic policies.

Skills

Legal advocacy

Litigation experience

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Job description

The Citizen Advocacy Center (CAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building democracy in the 21st Century by strengthening the public’s capacities, resources, and institutions for self-governance.

CAC is seeking an action-oriented community lawyer, licensed to practice in Illinois, passionate about democracy and uprooting injustice. The ideal candidate has legal advocacy or litigation experience and desires a long-term career in public interest law.

The Community Lawyer must be willing to work with a diverse group of people in a team environment and have the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities. The Community Lawyer should be comfortable speaking in a public setting and interacting with members of the community on a daily basis.

Responsibilities

• Engaging individuals and organizations regarding matters of public concern that fit within our mission and criteria of building democracy for the 21st Century.
• Conducting legal research and writing.
• Organizing campaigns and planning strategies that will enable community groups to advance their cause.
• Giving testimony or public comment at government meetings and speaking to community groups and professional organizations.
• Cooperating with policymakers and educators to advance civic engagement policies across a broad spectrum, including statewide civic education.
• Executing grant-related work as developed in collaboration with the executive director.
• Planning and executing Democracy Workshops for the public, the press, and public officials about the laws that enable and ensure citizen participation in the governmental decision-making process on matters of public significance.
• Mentoring student interns and supervising their projects.
• Educating the public about being active, informed, and effective community leaders through presentations, written materials, one-on-one engagement, and the media.
• Monitoring local governments for abuses of power and undemocratic practices.
• Holding government officials and entities accountable for anti-democratic policies that dissuade public participation.
• Supporting litigation where appropriate or necessary to enforce and strengthen public policies that uphold democracy and democratic protocols.
• Referring community members who have legal issues that are outside the scope of CAC’s service or beyond CAC’s capacity.
• Collaborating with outside lawyers and legal professionals to ensure effective advocacy.

Start date as soon as possible. Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000, depending on prior experience, with the potential to increase based on job performance and ability to contribute to the development and growth of the organization. Benefits include health insurance, flexible time off, hybrid work schedule, and participation in a profit-sharing plan when vested.

Citizen Advocacy Center is an equal opportunity employer.