Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSupervised by: Director of the Family Law Program
Status: Part-time
ASCEND JUSTICE is seeking a part-time attorney in the Family Law Program to work specifically with women and gender-expansive clients who have been incarcerated or are under correctional control. This role involves screening potential clients for legal issues in a wide variety of areas, with an increased focus on family law. This position involves a partnership between Ascend Justice and the Women’s Justice Institute supporting the City of Chicago’s first Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC) specifically for women and gender-expansive people who are impacted by the criminal legal system.
This role involves:
Providing screenings for a minimum of six to eight potential clients each month to identify potential legal issues in areas related to family law, order of protection, immigration, family defense, economic justice, social security, public benefits, housing law, and criminal records. Create a referral network for identified legal issues outside of Ascend Justice program areas.Facilitate internal referrals for potential clients with identified legal issues within Ascend Justice priorities.Carry a caseload of 8-10 cases related to family law with varying levels of service, including advice, brief services, drafting of court documents, and full representation in court. This position involves a hybrid schedule, with some work in person either at the offices of Ascend Justice (177 N. State Street, Chicago) or at the Women’s Justice Institute’s Reclamation Center (2150 S. Canal port, Chicago). While some work hours are set, the position involves a high degree of flexibility in terms of scheduling. Some evening or weekend hours may be required, including one Saturday per month. This position will also include some travel throughout the city of Chicago. An ideal candidate will have prior legal experience in family law and/or working with survivors impacted by gender-based violence and/or incarceration.
Essential Responsibilities
Provide screenings for legal needs for clients impacted by the criminal legal system and reentering the city of Chicago.Provide a variety of advice and brief service appointments, including preparation of court documents.Manage a caseload of ongoing cases at varying levels of service, including in-court representation.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 clients receive seamless, holistic services.Supervise volunteers including attorneys, students and interns.Other Responsibilities
Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings.Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks, 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, weekend, and overnight work/travel are occasionally required, including a minimum of one Saturday per month.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.Smoke- and drug-free environment.
Qualifications
Licensed to practice law in IllinoisMust have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence trainingExperience working with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated populations or personal experience preferred, but not requiredAbility to develop and implement short- and long-term litigation strategiesPassionate about Ascend Justice’s mission. Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional trainingStrong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlinesDemonstrated ability to work with diverse populationsKnowledge of or experience working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violenceAbility to work in a fast-paced legal environmentAbility to communicate effectively with people in crisisStrong written and oral communication skillsFlexible, self-motivatedStrong attention to detailExcellent communication and time management skillsSense of humor
As part of the hiring process, pre-employment verification of licenses and reference checks may be conducted internally by the agency. We do not utilize third-party vendors for these verifications.
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
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