Legal Services Counsel

Catholic Charities of Omaha; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) seeks a full-time Attorney to support the diocesan mission by providing civil legal assistance to clients who have limited means. The role includes collaboration with the CCLS Director, volunteers, and multiple practice areas, from family law to housing and guardianship.

The attorney will handle court appearances, coordinate referrals, and ensure confidentiality while building strong community partnerships in central Illinois.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school; Illinois license required.
• Experience in civil cases and advocacy is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diocesan legal team.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the CCLS Director and other team members, including volunteer Counsel.
• Serve in diverse legal practice areas including adoption, creditor/debtor issues, guardianship, immigration referral, landlord-tenant issues, government benefits, wills, and probate.
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in civil proceedings.
• Represent clients in court for issues such as landlord/tenant disputes, guardianship, orders of protection, and custody disputes.
• Assist clients with self-help legal resources and processes.
• Refer cases to volunteer CCLS attorneys, monitor progress, and provide support.
• Collaborate with the diocesan Catholic Bar Association, where applicable.
• Manage all client information according to confidentiality dictates.
• Develop competency with the Hi Q client management program utilized by CCLS.
• Actively demonstrate compassionate and comprehensive listening skills with all clients seeking assistance.
• Develops community and diocesan relationships to further the mission and enhance the efficacy of the CCLS program.

Skills

Legal research

Client counseling

In-court representation

Confidentiality

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Licensed to practice in Illinois

Job description

Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) provides compassionate legal support to the clients of the CCLS program covering the counties of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Legal support includes resource guidance, direct representation as well as coordinating referrals to the CCLS volunteer Counsel panel. The objective of the program is to provide quality legal counsel to individuals with little or no ability to afford such services or representation. Catholic Charities is seeking a full-time Counsel to aid us in this mission, with the following core competencies for the position listed below.

Job Duties

• Work collaboratively with the CCLS Director and other team members, including volunteer Counsel.
• Serve in diverse legal practice areas including, but not limited to, adoption, creditor and debtor issues, guardianship, immigration referral, landlord-tenant issues, government benefits, wills, and probate.
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in civil proceedings.
• Represent clients in court for issues most often including, but not limited to, landlord/tenant disputes, guardianship, orders of protection, and custody disputes.
• Assist clients with self-help legal resources and processes.
• Refer cases to volunteer CCLS attorneys, monitor progress, and provide support.
• Collaborate with the diocesan Catholic Bar Association, where applicable.
• Manage all client information according to confidentiality dictates.
• Develop competency with the Hi Q client management program utilized by CCLS.
• Actively demonstrate compassionate and comprehensive listening skills with all clients seeking assistance.
• Develops community and diocesan relationships to further the mission and enhance the efficacy of the CCLS program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
• Prefer experience in one or more of the specific practice areas listed.
• Prior experience with in-court representation
• Maturity and flexibility.
• The position requires a valid Illinois Driver’s License and a safe driving history.
• Successful completion of agency background checks and Safe Environment training.
• Must develop proficiency in Hi Q client data management system.

Who We Are:

Catholic Charities is proud of its 100 year history of providing vital social services in our Diocese. As the official social service are of the Catholic Church, we maintain a substantial presence in ten communities throughout our twenty-eight counties of central Illinois. Area Offices operate in the communities of Alton, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Granite City, Mattoon, Quincy, and Springfield. In addition, Catholic Charities manages facilities in Alton (Catholic Children's Home) and Beardstown (The St. Anne Residence). The agency has earned national reaccreditation through COA, the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, which certifies that all programs meet best practice social service standards.

Our vast array of "Continuum of Care" services include Professional Counseling Solutions, senior services and guardianship, health care, residential care, independent living, special education, Intact Family Services, food and clothing distribution, St. John's Breadline, Meals on Wheels in Decatur, the Crisis Assistance program, MedAssist, Mobile Food Pantry, Catholic Charities Legal Services, The St. Anne Residence and discount resale stores. Catholic Charities seeks to respond to the needs of its communities through these diverse programs. Every year, this objective is realized as literally thousands of children and families are positively impacted by our efforts.

Although being a member of the Catholic faith is not a requirement to be employed by Catholic Charities, it is expected and required of all employees to acknowledge and respect the right of Catholic Charities to develop policies, manage programs and administer benefits in accordance with the Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.