Paralegal – Order of Protection Program
Hybrid - US
Paralegal – Order of Protection Program
Full Time • Hybrid - US
Benefits:
- FSA Health, Dependent Care, Commute Plan
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Training & development
Supervised by: Managing Director, Family Law and Protective Order Division
Status: Full-time
Essential Responsibilities
- Assist attorneys with the operation of the same-day Order of Protection clinic by providing direct services to clients, demonstrating proper procedures for interns and volunteers, and completing administrative tasks. (40%)
- Assist attorneys with Order of Protection representation cases, including client communication, opening and closing files, case docketing and program organization, and assisting with other case-related tasks. (60%)
- Translation/interpretation for clients and attorneys as needed.
- Provide occasional coverage for the office front desk and intake specialists.
- Deliver all services according to principles of trauma-informed care.
- Maintain client files (physical, electronic, and Legal Server), opening and closing cases according to agency procedures.
- Record all client communications, documents, evidence, and other materials in Legal Server and SharePoint.
- Protect the organization by keeping information confidential.
Other Responsibilities
- Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings.
- Coordinate with the team’s Client Support Coordinator and other colleagues to ensure that the client receives seamless, holistic services
- Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks and participating in professional organizations.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Work Environment
- This position requires at least 80% of work to be done on-site, subject to change.
- Courthouse and offices are fully accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.
- Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required.
- This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer.
- Smoke- and drug-free environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred
- Bilingual in Spanish/English required
- Previous paralegal or legal assistant experience preferred
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training
- Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds who are in crisis
- Knowledge of or experience with working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence
- Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training
- Sensitive listener with the ability to explain complex concepts
- Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks
- Basic computer and office skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to work in a fast-paced legal environment
- Sense of humor
As part of the hiring process, pre-employment verification of references may be conducted internally by the agency. We do not utilize third-party vendors for these verifications.
Ascend Justice is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Ascend Justice does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Ascend Justice is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team. Applicants/clients wishing to lodge a complaint about discrimination in the provision of services can do so by contacting the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The ICJIA nondiscrimination policy can be found on the ICJIA website at http://www.icjia.org/grants/grant-resources. Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to CJA.CivilRightsOfficer@illinois.gov
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $54,500.00 - $63,500.00 per year
About Us
Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals and families impacted by gender-based violence or the child welfare system to achieve safety and stability through holistic legal advocacy and system reform.
We are working toward strong communities where people have the power to navigate fair systems and overcome violence.
Legal Advocacy
Legal Advocacy
We currently provide the following types of legal assistance to individuals and families:
- Economic legal services for survivors of gender-based violence such as help with finances and housing
- Family defense legal services for families who have DCFS investigations or appeals
- Family law services for survivors of gender-based violence such as help with divorces, custody arrangements, visitation, and child support
- Orders of protection services for survivors of gender-based violence
- Immigration services for survivors of gender-based violence
Our services are unique and holistic, and many clients are served by a team of attorneys and other professionals who help address the range of legal needs they are facing. Many of our clients also benefit from being able to work with a client support coordinator, who can provide additional emotional support and help with logistics for individuals or families who are going through a particularly challenging time.
Our History
Our History
Founded in 1982 and incorporated in 1989 as Pro Bono Advocates, Ascend Justice has four decades of experience meeting the needs of survivors of domestic violence. From 2005 until 2019 we were known as the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic. In 2019 we merged with the Family Defense Center and rebranded as Ascend Justice. Throughout our history, we’ve worked to increase the safety and independence of survivors of domestic violence with skilled, compassionate legal representation.
Our Order of Protection Clinic and our domestic relations practices are our longest-standing client services. Our long-time location in the Cook County Circuit Court Domestic Violence Courthouse allows us to offer emergency legal services related to Orders of Protection and teams of volunteers work with staff attorneys to assist these clients with brief services, legal advice, and, in some cases, legal representation at the emergency stage of litigation.
Our second office on State Street, offers longer-term legal representation and assistance in the family law, immigration, economic justice, and family defense matters that are linked to the long-term safety of survivors and their children. In addition, Client Support Coordinators in both offices help with safety planning, emotional support, and connections to the resources necessary for safety and independence.
In March 2021, Ascend Justice launched an innovative new practice serving incarcerated survivors of domestic violence. Two attorneys collaborate with the Illinois Department of Corrections and Cook County Jail to provide civil legal services to survivors in women’s correctional facilities.
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