Staff Attorney - Family Law

Supervised by: Director, Family Law Program

Status: Fulltime  

In addition to the annual salary listed, Ascend Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (lowest level 100% employer paid, 50% premium for dependents employer paid), dental insurance (employer paid), short- and long-term disability (employer paid), and life insurance (employer paid), 12 weeks paid parental leave, FSA health, dependent care, and commute (parking & transit). We also offer options for 401k and Roth 401k retirement accounts and have the option to make employer contributions at year end.

All employees who work on-site in an Ascend Justice office are required to show proof of full and up-to-date vaccination against COVID-19 unless a reasonable accommodation is approved. An individual is fully vaccinated and up to date when they have received all CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

Ascend Justice's offices are currently operating on a hybrid working schedule (in-office/work from home). The schedule for this position will be determined as the position is filled and based on current agency needs.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Services (approximately 95% of the position)

• Provide high-quality representation for survivors of domestic violence seeking remedies in Domestic Relations Division.
• Manage a case load of ongoing Domestic Relations cases, including effective representation of clients in contested hearings.
• Deliver services according to principles of trauma-informed care.
• Perform intake functions, interviewing potential clients to evaluate cases for representation.
• Maintain client files, noting all deadlines, communications, and other relevant information.
• Coordinate with the agency’s Client Support Coordinator and other colleagues to ensure that the client receives seamless, holistic services.

Volunteers (approximately 5% of the position)

• Supervise volunteers including attorneys, students and interns in Division.

Other Responsibilities

• Actively participate in required staff meetings, trainings.
• Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks, and 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.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 40 pounds.
• Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois; 1-3 years of experience preferred
• Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training
• Litigation and family law experience preferred
• Bi-lingual in Spanish/English required, including ability to interview and represent clients with limited or no-English speaking abilities 
• 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 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