Manager of Legal Services

The Westside Justice Center is growing and we are adding another NEW role to our team. We are seeking an exceptional and visionary legal professional to step into the Manager of Legal Services role!

As an influential leader, you’ll combine strategic vision, program innovation, hands-on client advocacy, and team management to make a lasting impact and propel our legal services to new heights. If you're ready to elevate our legal services skills to be at the forefront of driving justice, making a profound impact in our community, and leading our dedicated legal team with unparalleled skill and commitment, this is the opportunity for you!

Our new team members enjoy a plethora of benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k), and the occasional need for travel. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a professional office environment where your legal skills contribute directly to our mission of justice and equity for all.

Ready to embark on a fulfilling legal journey with us? Apply now and let's write the next chapter together at the Westside Justice Center!

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Management:
  • System and Program Design: Design and implement WJC's legal services program.
  • Develop program manuals, guides, and other resources to support the legal team.
  • Coordinate with Community Advocates and Program Managers to deliver services to clients and community members.
  • Staff and Volunteer Management: Direct, plan, and oversee the work of legal program staff, including supervision, evaluation, training, and team building.
  • Organize and participate in departmental meetings.
  • Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer attorneys.
  • Assist in staff recruitment and hiring processes.
  • Legal Resources Development: Develop WJC's legal practice manual, including motions, pleadings, and guides for staff and volunteers.
  • Create a pro se litigant assist manual with resources to guide individuals through their legal matters.
  • Liaise with partner organizations and conduct occasional training or outreach presentations.
  • Reporting: Oversee the collection and maintenance of records.
  • Prepare periodic reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Development: Communicate with funders as per funding agreements.
  • Participate in the design of new initiatives and funding opportunities, and support grant proposal preparation.
  • Budgetary Responsibilities: Ensure program operations stay within the approved budget.
  • Monitor and approve budgeted program expenditures.
  • Provide necessary information for invoice generation and submission to funders.
  • Evaluation: Establish and maintain internal evaluation frameworks for service quality and consistency.
  • Collaborate with the leadership team to evaluate WJC programming and identify strategies for growth and sustainability.
• Client Representation:
  • Supervise legal representation, legal counsel, and referrals in areas such as public benefits, employment, criminal records relief, family law, housing, and estate planning.
  • Maintain a limited caseload to assist with legal representation and counsel.
  • Coordinate client intakes.
  • Engage in administrative and legislative advocacy where appropriate.
  • Provide legal consultation and research to assist in case resolution.
• Other Duties:
  • Build and sustain relationships with leaders, organizations, and stakeholders in relevant fields, including public and commercial sectors.
  • Represent the Westside Justice Center at conferences and public events, including as a speaker or panel participant.
  • Assist with advocacy and fundraising efforts as needed.

Successful Candidates will possess:

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois or eligible for licensure.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in supervising or leading others.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, self-directed environment.
• Strong project management skills with proven ability to prioritize work.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to explain complex legal situations compassionately and effectively to individuals in crisis.
• Strong interpersonal skills and organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation.
• Growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Cultural Competency
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Reliable transportation
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Work Environment:

The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations 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, phones and photocopiers
• Ability to communicate verbally
• Ability to spend extended time working on a computer
• Occasional need for local travel

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.

The Westside Justice Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBTQI-GNC people, and formerly incarcerated people are strongly encouraged to apply.