Illinois State Bar Association
Staff Attorney - Kankakee, Peoria, Moline
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Job Opportunity: Staff Attorney
Location Prairie State Legal Service Kankakee, Peoria & Moline offices, Illinois
About the Role
Prairie State Legal Service (PSLS) is seeking a dedicated Staff Attorney to provide critical legal services to low-income individuals, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Our role focuses on legal issues that affect basic human needs—physical safety, access to healthcare, adequate housing, financial stability, and more. As the only legal aid organisation covering most of our service area, PSLS delivers high-quality representation while fostering a supportive, collaborative work environment with strong opportunities for professional growth.
Responsibilities
The Staff Attorney will:
- Provide comprehensive legal services across a range of areas including housing, family law, public benefits, consumer protection, healthcare, education, and more.
- Conduct initial client intake interviews, assessing eligibility and prioritising legal needs tied to critical human necessities.
- Deliver legal assistance, including:
- Research and factual investigations
- Counsel and written correspondence
- Mediation and dispute resolution
- Courtroom representation (administrative and judicial proceedings)
- Cultivate and maintain networks with local bar associations, government entities, and community agencies that serve underserved populations.
- Engage in community outreach, offering education and intake services (e.g., client education sessions at partner locations).
- Track and report services accurately for grant funding compliance, maintaining detailed case documentation.
- Participate actively in internal task forces aligned with PSLS’s practice areas.
- Demonstrate high energy, professionalism, and commitment to PSLS’s mission.
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Salary & Benefits
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Competitive salary range: $70,000 – $90,231 annually, scaling with relevant experience.
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Full-time role (37.5 hours/week), with: Health Insurance
- Option to qualify for wellness credits.
Dental & Vision Insurance
403(b) Retirement Plan with employer matching.
- Collaborative training and education opportunities.
Flexible scheduling & part-time remote work accommodated.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Starts at 3 weeks/year, increasing with seniority.
- Paid sick leave.
Parental leave: 6 weeks fully paid after 1 year of employment.
12 paid holidays.
Qualifications
Preferred/Required Attributes:
- Current admission to the Illinois Bar or eligibility for IL reciprocity (admittees awaiting bar results may be considered).
- Experience in negotiation, advocacy in court, or public interest law.
- Outstanding interpersonal, oral/written communication, research, and case management skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
- Spanish-language proficiency is a plus (not mandatory).
- Visa sponsorship unavailable for this role.
- Must have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation (travel may be required).
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PSLS prefers candidates with experience providing services to low-income communities.
Application Details
To apply, submit the following via email to careers@pslegal.org or online at Prairie State Legal Service Jobs Page:
- Cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience.
- Resume.
- Three professional references.
- Writing sample (max. 10 pages).
Subject line must include: "Staff Attorney (Office Location)" + preference (Kankakee/Peoria/Moline).
More information: Equity Statement
Employment Policy
PSLS is an equal opportunity employer. We promote an inclusive environment and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, military status, unfavorable discharge, or any other defining characteristic protected by law.
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