Westside Justice Center · 3 months ago
Attorney (Estate Planning)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$65K/yr - $75K/yr
5+ years expWestside Justice Center is a community-driven Legal Aid clinic committed to empowering individuals and fostering authentic community leadership. They are seeking an Attorney specializing in estate planning, probate, and asset protection to provide legal representation and support across various practice areas, helping individuals and families plan for the future and protect their assets.
CommunitiesNon ProfitSocial
Responsibilities
Provide direct legal representation, advice, and referrals in matters related to estate planning
Draft, review, and execute estate planning documents including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, transfer-on-death instruments, and petitions
Represent clients in court proceedings
Counsel clients on succession planning, charitable giving, and intergenerational wealth protection
Address title and deed issues impacting estate transfers, including clearing title for heirs’ property and resolving ownership disputes
Ensure all estate planning services are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Illinois probate law, estate tax implications, and property transfer procedures
Collaborate with other WJC attorneys and paralegals to assist clients with intersecting legal needs, such as:
Housing: resolving title, foreclosure prevention, or landlord-tenant matters related to inherited property
Family Law: coordinating estate planning in cases involving guardianship, custody, or family transitions
Immigration: supporting mixed-status families in property and inheritance matters
Provide backup legal support to other practice areas as needed to ensure continuity of client services
Develop and facilitate community legal workshops and clinics focused on estate planning, probate navigation, and wealth equity
Partner with faith-based institutions, senior centers, and community organizations to expand public understanding of estate planning rights and resources
Prepare and present educational materials and resources that empower residents to safeguard their assets and plan for the future
Participate in WJC’s public education initiatives, outreach events, and access-to-justice campaigns
Supervise, train, and mentor volunteer attorneys, law students, and paralegals engaged in estate planning and related cases
Maintain accurate case files and documentation consistent with WJC and grant reporting standards
Participate in data collection, reporting, and evaluation of legal outcomes for funders and partners
Contribute to grant proposals and program development aimed at expanding access to estate planning and legal services
Engage in ongoing continuing legal education (CLE) and community partnerships to remain current in estate, probate, and other practice areas
Qualification
Required
Active license to practice law in Illinois (required)
5 or more years of experience in estate planning, probate, elder law, or related legal practice areas
Strong drafting and analytical skills with proven ability to manage detailed legal documentation
Excellent communication and client counseling skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and compassionately
Commitment to racial equity, community empowerment, and holistic legal services
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary legal team
Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to balance multiple cases and deadlines
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with case management systems
Benefits
Community Impact
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
401(k) Retirement Plan
Company
Westside Justice Center
Westside Justice Center is a non-profit community organization that offers holistic legal and social services.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase