Description
Legal Council for Health Justice (Legal Council) seeks a passionate and mission driven Staff Attorney to help advance health justice through policy advocacy, systems change, and strategic legal work. This attorney will work closely with Legal Council's advocacy and legal teams to support legislative, regulatory, and administrative advocacy while also providing training and community education in partnership with healthcare and social service providers.
About Legal Council for Health Justice
Founded in 1987, Legal Council is a nonprofit law office dedicated to advancing health justice. We fight health disparities impacting Illinoisans across the lifespan. Using a Medical-Legal Partnership model, we work alongside hospitals, medical clinics, social service providers, and community organizations serving low-income populations to deliver high-quality legal services where they're needed most. Legal Council operates under a hybrid work policy, requiring a minimum of two days per week in our downtown Chicago office or on-site at partner organizations.
Commitment to Fairness and Respect
Legal Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Legal Council for Health Justice is committed to fostering a workplace that values fair treatment, respect, and diverse perspectives. We believe that drawing on the wide range of experiences, skills, and viewpoints of our staff makes us stronger advocates for the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage candidates to share how their professional or personal experiences equip them to understand and support the needs of our clients.
Key Responsibilities for this Role
Support Legal Council's policy and advocacy initiatives related to health justice: for our target populations of People living with HIV, LGBTQ+ individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and children with complex health needs, including initiatives related to access to and eligibility for: Medicaid and other health insurance programs and assistance, including health benefits for immigrants, disability rights and aging equity, Social Security disability and other public benefits ; trans health, kids’ health including in school settings, and other emerging health justice issues.
Conduct research on federal, state, and local law, regulations, and administrative policies affecting our client communities.
Draft memoranda, briefs, legislative testimony, public comments, fact sheets, reports, and other materials to support administrative advocacy, legislation, litigation, and other strategies.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, and legal developments and communicate their impact to staff, community partners, and the public.
Participate in coalition work, task forces, and advocacy campaigns alongside senior policy staff.
Help identify systemic legal issues emerging from client representation that may present opportunities for policy advocacy or impact litigation.
Collaborate with internal staff, and community partners to advance Legal Council's health justice priorities
Provide selected legal advice and brief services in areas including health coverage and other public benefit access and eligibility .
Conduct community education and trainings on health-related legal issues.
Participate in internal and external meetings to advance health justice goals.
Assist with program development, including data entry, grant reporting, and maintaining case files.
Requirements
Qualifications
J.D. degree and admission to the Illinois Bar (or planning to test/eligibility through reciprocity).
Recent law graduates with strong clinical, internship, fellowship, or advocacy experience are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated interest in public interest law and civil legal aid or health justice advocacy.
Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, and adept at managing multiple priorities.
Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and with community partners.
Spanish or other language skills are preferred.
What We're Looking For
We know no one checks every box. If you bring passion for our mission, a commitment to justice, and skills you believe will help you succeed, we encourage you to apply.
Relevant experience includes not only professional advocacy on behalf of others, but experience with poverty, immigration, disability/chronic illness, HIV, mental illness, racism and its consequences, public housing or other issues affecting our client population.
Salary & Benefits
Salary range: $65,000 or more, depending on experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time
401(k) and Roth 401(k) with 3% employer contribution
Opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
How to Apply
Email (no phone calls, please) a resume, cover letter, and two professional references with the subject line "Staff Attorney – Health Advocacy" to: [email protected]. In your cover letter, Legal Council invites you to share how your lived experience may make you a better advocate for the families and communities we serve.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Our interview process typically includes an interview with 2–3 staff members, and, if relevant, a Spanish/additional language interview. References will be contacted after interviews are complete.
