Staff Attorney

Job Title: Staff Attorney
Department: Teamwork Englewood Re-Entry
Reports To: Sr. Attorney
Employment Status: Fulltime, Grant funded
Compensation: $71,000 to $73,500 Annual Salary

About Teamwork Englewood:

Teamwork Englewood is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, dedicated to empowering residents of Englewood and surrounding neighborhoods through a variety of community-driven initiatives. The organization offers planning and services for youth development and parent programming, workforce development assistance, and aid with re-entry from incarceration. Teamwork Englewood’s mission is to improve the quality of life of the residents and stakeholders of Englewood by facilitating economic, educational and social opportunities.
The focus of the Re-Entry Department is on creating pathways for social equity, strengthening the community, and providing critical support to individuals seeking criminal record relief. We are committed to advancing justice, reducing recidivism, and offering second chances to people who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.

Position Summary:

Teamwork Englewood is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our team and provide legal support to individuals seeking to expunge or seal their criminal records. As a key part of our Criminal Records Relief program, the Staff Attorney will assist clients in navigating the complexities of the records relief process, advocate for policy change, and work directly with the community to ensure access to justice. This is an exciting opportunity for an attorney with a passion for criminal justice reform and a desire to make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals seeking a fresh start.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide legal counsel and representation to clients seeking expungement, sealing, and other forms of criminal record relief and/or legal activities.

Represent clients at court hearings related to criminal record relief, ensuring their interests are effectively advocated for accompaniment.

Work closely with community organizations, local government agencies, and stakeholders to educate individuals about their rights and available criminal record relief options.

Conduct client intake interviews, assess eligibility for record relief, and maintain case files through all stages of the legal process.

Work as part of a collaborative team of attorneys, paralegals, and community outreach staff to meet organizational goals and provide comprehensive services to clients.

Qualifications:

- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

- Licensed and in good standing with the Illinois State Bar.

- Prior experience in criminal law, clemency, legal aid, post-conviction release, particularly with expungement and sealing procedures, is highly desirable. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who may not yet have direct experience in this field but demonstrate a commitment to our mission and a willingness to learn.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts clearly to non-legal audiences.

- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals from underrepresented communities, with sensitivity, professionalism, and empathy.

- Strong organizational and case management skills, including the ability to manage a high-volume caseload effectively.

- Trauma-informed training with skill in supporting people who have experienced trauma, discrimination, or systemic barriers.

- Familiarity with Salesforce is desirable.

Core Competencies and Personal Attributes:

- Commitment to racial and social justice and community empowerment

- Empathy, patience, and discretion

- Collaborative team player with strong ethics

- Proficiency in legal research and writing

- Comfortable using legal case management systems (Salesforce) is desired

- Experience with Microsoft Office/Google Suite

Teamwork Englewood offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This is a grant funded position and subject to change at any time.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, copy of Juris Doctor and/or ARDC card, and 2-3 references to [email protected], to be considered for the Staff Attorney position with Teamwork Englewood.

In your cover letter, please address your interest in the position, previous work experience, commitment to criminal justice reform, and any other relevant information.

Work Location & Schedule:

This is a full time, in‑person position based at Teamwork Englewood’s office in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. The role follows a standard Monday‑to‑Friday schedule, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with some evening and weekends. Flexibility is needed for outreach and other community events.

EEO Disclaimer :

Teamwork Englewood is an equal opportunity, fair chance, affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment opportunities at Teamwork Englewood are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, selection, job assignment, promotions, transfers, compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, access to benefits and training, and all other conditions and privileges of employment.st standards of integrity.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $73,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a JD degree from an accredited law school?

If so, please send/attach a copy with your resume/application to [email protected]

• Have you sat for the BAR exam and waiting for results? If so, when will you receive the results?
• Have you sat for and passed the BAR exam? If so, when?

License/Certification:

• ARDC card (Preferred)

Location:

• Chicago, IL 60621 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60621 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60621: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person