Staff Attorney - Will County

Westside Justice Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Westside Justice Center in Illinois is seeking an Attorney to represent clients across diverse practice areas and to drive advocacy, outreach, and restorative justice initiatives in Will County.

You will collaborate with our team to provide legal services, coordinate clinics, and supervise volunteers in a mission-driven environment committed to expanding access to justice.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• Excellent client interviewing skills essential.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation abilities.
• Ability to explain complex legal matters with empathy.
• Clear written and oral communication for diverse audiences.
• Strong prioritization and organizational skills.
• Proven project management experience.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to justice and equity for underserved communities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation, counsel, and referrals to eligible clients across practice areas.
• Coordinate on-site clinics and intakes; engage in advocacy and impact litigation.
• Supervise paralegals, interns, and volunteer attorneys; prepare reports.
• Provide legal consultation and coordinate outreach and training programs.

Skills

Client interviewing

Interpersonal skills

Communication (written)

Communication (oral)

Prioritization

Project management

Independent & team work

Organization

Cultural competency

Presentation skills

Education

Licensed to practice Illinois law

Job description

The Westside Justice Center is growing and expanding its legal services team!

Unleash your advocacy skills and make a difference with the Westside Justice Center. Join our mission-driven team as an Attorney in Will County and play a critical role in advancing access to justice in our communities.

Founded in 2015, the Westside Justice Center (WJC) is not just a workplace—it is a community-centered Legal Aid clinic committed to eradicating barriers to justice and uplifting authentic community leadership.

As anAttorney, you will provide comprehensive representation, counsel, and referralsto eligible clientsacross various practice areas. Collaborating closely with our team, you will engage in impactful litigation, advocacy, and community outreach initiatives aimed at mitigating the consequencesof incarcerationon criminalized communitiesby:

• Facilitating legal literacy to reduce recidivism
• Providing legal and quasi-legal assistance to individuals
• Establishing and nurturing community trust through participatory deliberations and restorative justice practices

Responsibilities

• Client Representation
  • Provide legal representation, legal counsel, and referrals to eligible clients in a wide range of practice areas
  • Coordinate on-site legal clinics and intakes
  • Engage in impact litigation, administrative, and legislative advocacy
  • Assist in supervision and support of paralegals, interns, and volunteer attorneys
  • Prepare periodic reports for internal and external purposes
• Program Support
  • Provide legal consultation
  • Recruit, train and supervise volunteer attorneysCollaborate with partner organizations for training and outreach presentations
  • Plan, implement and document outreach and training programs

Successful Candidates will Possess:

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois
• Excellent client interviewing skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and presentation skills
• Proven ability to explain complex legal situations compassionately and effectively to people in crisis
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and orally, to a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to prioritize work
• Skilled in project management
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, self-directed environment
• Ability to work well independently as well as a member of a team
• Strong organizational skills and proven attention to detail
• Cultural Competency

• A deep commitment to WJC’s mission of advancing justice and equity for underserved communities.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

NOTE: A copy of your professional license, academic transcripts, or relevant training certificates will be required at the time of interview, if applicable.

Benefits

• Community Impact
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) retirement plan

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones
• Ability to communicate verbally
• Ability to spend extended time working on a computer
• Occasional need for local travel for work-related reasons

Compensation

Actual compensation will be determined based on a wide array of relevant factors, including market considerations, organizational needs, and an individual’s skills, experience, and qualifications. Target salary hiring range is $65,000 - $75,000.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties, requirements, or responsibilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Westside Justice Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment.

We prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex

(including pregnancy, gender identity, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, military service or discharge status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with our mission to advance justice and equity, people of color, women, LGBTQI-GNC individuals, immigrants, and formerly incarcerated people are strongly encouraged to apply.