Overview
An organization focused on advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities in Illinois is seeking an experienced attorney to join their Civil Rights Team. This role involves civil rights litigation and advocacy addressing the disproportionate impact of criminal systems and incarceration on individuals with disabilities. The attorney will engage in individual and systemic civil rights cases, facility monitoring, investigations, and advocacy within jails, prisons, and other criminal justice settings.
Responsibilities
- Litigate individual and systemic civil rights cases related to disability rights within criminal legal systems.
- Provide informal legal assistance, advice, negotiations, and formal litigation.
- Conduct client interviews and deliver person-centered advocacy based on clients' lived experiences.
- Perform jail and prison monitoring investigations, primarily in Southern and Central Illinois.
- Develop effective strategies on disability rights issues and manage a significant workload efficiently.
- Collaborate with a team and report to a Managing Attorney on the Civil Rights Team.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in Illinois or eligible for admission to the Illinois State Bar within one year of employment.
- Minimum of three years of legal practice experience.
- Experience working with marginalized and criminalized populations, including the ability to work inside facilities and with clients in crisis.
- Strong communication and organizational skills suitable for litigation, strategic planning, and collaborative advocacy.
- Demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Commitment to civil rights and understanding of criminal legal systems.
- Experience working with people with disabilities, including those with mental illness and those impacted by the criminal legal system.
- Fluency in Spanish.
- Experience with complex negotiations and federal court litigation, including systemic and class action cases.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range:
- Staff Attorneys: $67,164 - $85,390
- Senior Attorneys: $86,194 - $128,472 (commensurate with experience)
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, retirement plan, and generous paid leave.
Location
- Primarily remote work with required travel throughout Illinois, focusing on Southern and Central regions.
- Candidate may be physically located anywhere within Illinois.
Additional Information
- Applications must include a resume and cover letter.
- The position will remain open until filled.
- Background checks are required for all conditional offers due to the nature of work inside facilities; a disclosed record will not automatically disqualify a candidate.
- The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply.