Temporary Paralegal - Public Benefits (HIV+ Legal Project)

Overview

For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. We believe all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of income, and we work to ensure poverty is not an impediment to justice.

Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office is located in downtown Chicago at 120 S. LaSalle Street, ADA accessible, with convenient access to public transportation and local expressways. This position will require travel throughout the city for outreach activities and client interaction.

Legal Aid Chicago's HIV+ Legal Project seeks to meet the comprehensive civil legal needs of people living with HIV.

Position

Legal Aid Chicago seeks a paralegal within our Public Benefits Practice Group. This is a temporary, part-time (50%) position that will last no longer than six months and is expected to end on February 28, 2026 . The paralegal will focus on administrative functions for the HIV+ Legal Project, including the Intake Process, Grant Compliance, and Community Outreach, and will report to a Supervisory Attorney. Responsibilities include :

• Coordinate Legal Aid Chicago's dedicated HIV+ Legal Project Intake system, conducting intake and comprehensive legal screening for potential new clients.
• Coordinate Legal Aid Chicago's HIV+ Legal Project Community Advisory Board, working with CAB members to plan meetings.
• Assist clients in completing forms required by HIV+ Legal Project funders.
• Provide administrative and litigation support to attorneys, including drafting letters, pleadings, discovery, and records requests; create outreach materials; maintain paper files and intake materials.
• Provide advice and referrals to individuals.
• Participate in maintaining good community relations by acting as a liaison between community groups and Legal Aid Chicago staff.
• Maintain knowledge of case acceptance criteria of the Public Benefits Practice group and other Legal Aid Chicago practice groups to facilitate appropriate internal referrals.
• Maintain case files and accurate case notes and timekeeping in the electronic case management system.
• Track data related to grants and assist with grant reporting.
• Maintain proficiency with equipment and technology necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Other duties as determined by the Supervising Attorney and Director.

Salary and Benefits :

The budgeted salary range for this position is $22,880-$25,369, reflecting 0-10 years of paid, credited experience. This position is not eligible for benefits.

Requirements

Legal Aid Chicago encourages applications from individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. For applicants with previous work experience, at least one reference must be a former supervisor. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

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

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

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding application status. We will contact candidates who are selected for the next stage of the hiring process.

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