Organization: Family Defense Center
Job Location: Chicago, IL
Salary: $40,000 FTE annually for a new graduate, depending on experience.
Submission Deadline: 11/15/2008

Position Description

Who we are:
The Family Defense Center (AFDC@) is a multi-faceted legal advocacy organization whose mission is to advocate justice for families in the child welfare system. The FDC is counsel in major class action litigation and numerous individual cases that have the potential to become important precedents. It conducts training for attorneys, social workers, and other professionals and family members affected by child welfare policies and practices. It operates a pro bono case handling program with major law firms in the Chicago area. It also is developing a policy agenda and community education/outreach efforts to inform the public regarding the harm to children and families caused by unfair and unlawful child welfare policies. While most of the FDC=s work is based in Illinois, its litigation and advocacy has precedential impact on policies throughout the United States; therefore, it works with a number of attorneys in other states (including in amicus curiae briefs) and some of its individual clients do reside outside of Illinois.

Description of Staff Attorney Position:
The Family Defense Center is seeking to hire a newly-admitted attorney (member of the Illinois bar) who has a deep commitment to the interests of children and families in the child welfare system. The staff attorney will have the following responsibilities:

• Individual case handling, including administrative appeals and trial and appellate court cases, with primary responsibility for a caseload of 10-20 open cases in various stage;
• Assist as co-counsel in affirmative civil rights litigation;
• Assist in program trainings for pro bono attorneys, bar groups, and non-attorney audiences;
• Assist in coordination of pro bono referral program, including recruitment of pro bono attorneys, preparation of case referral summaries, and assisting and advising pro bono attorneys on case issues that arise in referred cases;
• Assist in development of self-help materials for clients;
• Participate in policy drafting;
• Write articles for The Family Defender newsletter;
• Work with client groups and other advocacy groups on policy reform initiatives.
 

Position Requirements

Qualifications:

• Very strong analytical, research, and writing abilities—law review or other significant writing experience preferred;
• Case handling experience/clinical experience in law school and/or public interest, legal services, or public defender experience;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and fair processes for families;
• Ability to work in a team of attorneys and non-attorneys;
• Ability to work with diverse clients, client groups, and other advocacy organizations; and
• High productivity/ability to handle stress of fast-paced legal advocacy office.

Candidates must be members of the Illinois State Bar or persons who will be sworn into the Illinois State Bar in November 2008.
 

Salary and benefits. Starting salary for 2008 graduate is $40,000 FTE annually. Health benefits/ vacation and sick leave provided.

Position availability dates: The position is currently open with an anticipated start date of November 15 or when filled.

How to Apply

To apply, please email a resume, cover letter, and list of references (if possible) to Diane Redleaf at dlredleaf@aol.com or mail to Diane Redleaf, Executive Director, Family Defense Center, 725 S. Wabash #702 Chicago IL 60607.

Email applications are also accepted at diane@familydefensecenter.net. No phone inquiries please.

 

Notes

Last updated: November 05, 2008