05/24/2025
Job Alert - Hybrid in Chicago
STAFF ATTORNEY
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation (CVLS) is a not-for-profit that provides free legal services to individuals in and around Chicago using volunteer attorneys. Last year 2,300 CVLS volunteers helped thousands of clients with their cases and legal issues.
Position Description
The staff attorney will work in CVLS’ Municipal Court Early Resolution Program, Cook County’s Eviction Diversion and Consumer Debt program. The attorney works with residential landlords and individual creditors who have filed or intend to file a case or who want to consult with an attorney about a case. The attorney will attend several court calls per week online, counsel and advise eligible landlords or creditors assigned by the court and consult, advise and possibly represent them in mediations or direct negotiations when necessary. They will also assist clients in preparing documents and navigating the court process.
Additionally, the attorney will conduct outreach and community presentations on landlord tenant and creditor rights law, keep meticulous records and report activities and case and client information as required. The attorney may also be responsible for supervising and supporting volunteer attorneys in the program, additional outreach, programming and related activities.
Position Requirements
• A current, active Illinois law license or eligibility for an IL license within three months.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and LegalServer, a plus
• Experience working remotely/independently
• The ability to learn skills and concepts quickly and accurately
• Clerking or internship experience in general civil litigation, a plus
• A commitment to working with low-income clients and with volunteer attorneys of varying skill levels and temperaments.
We are looking for people who have a sense of humor; are friendly, patient and tolerant; can work independently and in a team and pay attention to detail while also seeing the big picture.
Additional Information
CVLS offers a collegial, casual, flexible, inclusive and friendly work environment. Staff members are mostly remote, with a few days a month in the office on a flexible schedule, though the office is available every day to anyone who prefers to come in. Some time in office is required for special events, required court appearances, and other dates as needed. CVLS provides fully employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance, for employees and partially paid coverage for dependents and spouses, plus generous paid vacation time, sick days, and all federal and state holidays.
CVLS is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, qualified disability, or sexual orientation or any other protected class. CVLS is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to build a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve.
How to Apply
Email cover letter, resume and three professional references as attachments in Word to: Rebecca Anger at [email protected], Subject line should include “CVLS ERP Staff Attorney”. No mail or phone calls.
