Attorney, Housing Law at Beyond Legal Aid in Chicago, IL

Company Description

Beyond Legal Aid (“Beyond”) uses its model, "community activism lawyering," to unite lawyers and activists to collaboratively help underserved communities access justice and pursue social change. Through these partnerships, Beyond supports underserved communities create their own community-located, community-operated, and community-directed “activism-law programs”. Beyond’s network of programs provide free legal services to underserved community members and support our activist partners achieve broader social change. Through our work, Beyond also seeks to transform how the legal aid system operates.

Job Description

Beyond is looking for a staff attorney with at least one-year of civil litigation experience, preferably in housing law. Candidates should have a genuine interest in community lawyering, connecting the law with grassroots activism, and being part of a new legal services model that shifts power into the hands of communities. Candidates must be comfortable working in, with, and—most importantly—under the direction of community leaders. They must also be prepared to handle multiple responsibilities at the same time and work some non-traditional hours—evenings and the occasional weekend day—in non-traditional, multiple locations; in exchange, they are afforded great flexibility in work schedule. Preference may be given to applicants who are fluent in Spanish, are from Beyond’s partner communities, or have experience working with community organizers.

Qualifications

Candidates must be comfortable working in, with, and—most importantly—under the direction of community leaders. They must also be prepared to handle multiple responsibilities at the same time and work some non-traditional hours—evenings and the occasional weekend day—in non-traditional, multiple locations; in exchange, they are afforded great flexibility in work schedule. Preference may be given to applicants who are fluent in Spanish, are from Beyond’s partner communities, or have experience working with community organizers.

Additional Information

Beyond is an equal opportunity workplace and is committed to working closely and effectively with the communities that we serve. Individuals self-identifying as people of color, LGBTQI, immigrant, socio-economically diverse, persons with a disability, or as otherwise having backgrounds and experiences underrepresented in the legal profession are highly encouraged to apply.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, recent writing sample, and references to hiring @beyondlegalaid.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.