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ACLU of Illinois · 2 days ago

Staff Attorney

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$71K/yr - $78K/yr

3+ years exp

The ACLU of Illinois is seeking a Staff Attorney to engage in litigation and non-litigation advocacy to promote civil rights and civil liberties. This role involves collaborating with various departments to advance goals through impact litigation, advocacy initiatives, and public education, particularly focusing on policing and civil liberties cases.

Legal Services

Responsibilities

Conduct effective and efficient legal research and prepare sound written analysis on novel and/or complex legal issues in emergency and non-emergency situations

Produce polished and near-final quality written work (e.g., discovery, pleadings, briefs, and correspondence in litigation and non-litigation settings) with minimal supervision

Handle appearances at administrative proceedings and in court at the trial and appellate level in federal and state courts

Assist in development of high-impact cases, including researching systemic practices, obtaining and analyzing public records, working with coalition partners, and learning from directly impacted people

Investigate, develop, and advance, in coordination with other Departments, non-litigation strategies for advancing civil rights and civil liberties such as policy reform and legislative campaigns, public education, and fundraising initiatives

Develop and maintain trusting, respectful, and collaborative relationships with clients, impacted individuals, issue experts, and community-based and allied organizations, stakeholders, coalitions, communities affected by our work, and ACLU-IL members

Serve as an ACLU-IL spokesperson with the media and external partners on identified issues

Assist with other organizational responsibilities, such as by serving as a member of the team that recruits and supervises legal interns

Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned to advance the work of the Legal Department and the ACLU-IL

Qualification

J.D.Litigation experienceDrafting pleadingsAppellate briefingLegal researchDiversity commitmentCommunication skillsProblem-solving skillsTeam collaboration

Required

Have a J.D. and be admitted to practice in Illinois, be eligible to waive into the Illinois bar, or be willing to take the Illinois bar exam no later than February 2026

Have at least 3-5 years of litigation experience in state court, federal court, and/or in state or federal administrative proceedings. Experience should include a broad range of responsibilities, such as drafting pleadings, motions, and related memoranda of law; preparing and responding to discovery; and expert discovery and development of expert opinions. Experience in appellate briefing and conducting evidentiary proceedings is highly valued but not essential

Have demonstrated ability to speak clearly, persuasively, and effectively with individuals and organizations from a broad and diverse range of identities, interests, and backgrounds in non-legal and legal settings

Have demonstrated ability to take initiative, multi-task, identify priorities amidst competing demands, and complete projects with strong problem-solving skills

Have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to recognizing and valuing all individuals in the workplace and respecting differences in race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socio-economic circumstances, and other factors

Be willing and available to travel throughout Illinois and to work beyond the normal workday and/or on weekends when needed

Commitment to advancing ACLU-IL's mission, goals, and programs

Benefits

15 days of paid vacation in the first year and 20 days of paid vacation thereafter.

100% employer-paid premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance for staff and eligible dependents.

6% employer-paid retirement contribution after 1 year without any employee contribution, plus 50% employer retirement match of the first $125 per pay period the employee contributes.

100% employer-paid life insurance; employee assistance program; short and long-term disability insurance.

Paid parental leave after 1 year.

Flexible spending accounts.