Legal Aid Chicago encourages applicants with relevant volunteer and work experience, who have experiences with our client communities or individuals who identify as a person of color, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, or otherwise having backgrounds and experiences that are underrepresented in the legal profession to apply.

For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income. We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice by dismantling the legal barriers that perpetuate inequality. Legal Aid Chicago staff live our mission through our core values of equity, excellence, inclusion, kindness, and respect.

The Immigrants and Workers’ Rights Practice Group (“IWR”) at Legal Aid Chicago provides high-quality free civil legal services to qualifying immigrants and low-wage workers. IWR consists of four projects -- immigration, farmworker, employment, and human trafficking. IWR staff work together to provide legal services where these disciplines intersect. The paralegal can expect to work on a wide variety of cases, including complex multi-plaintiff federal litigation and individual immigration cases for victims of labor trafficking and other workplace crimes.

Position: Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time paralegal in its Farmworker Project. 

Responsibilities include, without limitation: 

• Assist attorneys with tasks related to pending cases, including federal court litigation
• Conduct client intakes and investigate cases
• Work directly with clients to gather documents and information
• Conduct outreach throughout Illinois to farmworkers, especially during warmer months (no car required). Overnight travel may be required.
• Participate in large team meetings with outside co-counsel and complete follow-up tasks related to these meetings
• Create educational flyers and other outreach materials
• Develop and lead know-your-rights presentations
• Build relationships with community groups, consulates, and other potential partners
• Maintain well-organized case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system
• Provide litigation support for attorneys and assist with administrative tasks as needed
• Other duties as assigned 

Salary and Benefits:

This position is part of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. The Collective Bargaining Agreement sets employment terms and compensation is determined by the CBA salary scale, based on paid experience.

The Paralegal position begins at $41,500 and increases for every relevant year of experience.

Legal Aid Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment
• Time Off: 15 vacation days and 13 sick days accrued within the first year of employment
• 14 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
• Six weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment
• $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost
• Monthly internet reimbursement
• Legal Aid Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is an eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program

• Strong interest in social justice, especially in the areas of workers’ and immigrants’ rights
• Bachelor’s degree or some college experience preferred
• Valid Illinois driver’s license is required
• Spanish fluency or strong working proficiency is required
• Strong writing and research skills and excellent organizational skills
• Litigation experience preferred
• Familiarity with Excel and Adobe programs helpful
• Ability to communicate effectively on a large team with a strong commitment to collegiality
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as client needs dictate
• Good information-gathering skills as well as strong and versatile computer skills are essential

Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our offices, located in downtown Chicago at 120 S. LaSalle Street, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position may require travel to court or other outreach events.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

Legal Aid Chicago is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, ex-offender status, or any other protected status.

If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at humanresources@legalaidchicago.org.