Staff Attorney Order of Protection Program

Job Description

Job Description

Remote or telecommuting:

This position requires at least 60% of work to be done on-site, subject to change.

Job Description

Supervised by: Managing Director, Family Law & Protective Orders Division

Status: Full-time

Essential Responsibilities

Client Services (approximately 100% of the position)

• With supervisor and colleagues, share management of the Order of Protection clinic and remote hotline, including meeting personal and team goals.
• Provide successful same-day legal assistance for survivors of domestic violence obtaining Emergency Protective Orders.
• Successfully manage 3-5 brief services cases per day when serving as Clinic Manager.
• Supervise volunteers, including attorneys and student interns, as they provide brief legal services in fast-paced, walk-in legal clinic.
• Provide knowledgeable and skilled legal representation in Order of Protection matters.
• Perform intake functions, interviewing potential clients and gathering information to evaluate cases for representation.
• Represent clients in Emergency Order of Protection hearings.
• Manage a case load of ongoing Order of Protection cases, including effective representation of clients in negotiations, contested hearings, and motion practice.
• Maintain client files, noting all deadlines, communications and other relevant information.
• Coordinate with team’s Client Support Coordinator and other colleagues to ensure that client receives seamless, holistic services

Other Responsibilities

• Actively participate in required staff meetings and 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

• This position requires at least 60% of work to be done on-site, subject to change.
• 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.
• Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois
• Litigation and family law experience preferred
• Spanish language proficiency, including the ability to interview and represent clients with limited or no-English speaking abilities, is preferred
• Ability to develop and implement short and long-term litigation strategies
• Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training
• Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence 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 a 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

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 -resources. Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to [email protected]