December 2, 2020

Prairie State Legal Services

Job Opportunity Announcement

Pro Bono Manager

West Chicago OR Waukegan, IL

The Organization

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. is a not-for-profit legal aid organization that provides civil legal aid services to the poor, elderly, and people with disabilities. Prairie State has 11 offices serving 36 counties throughout northern and central Illinois. We focus services on legal problems that impact the ability of our clients to meet their basic human needs, including physical safety, access to healthcare, adequate housing, and similar needs. Prairie State is the only legal aid organization in the majority of our service area. Annually, we handle over 22,000 applications for legal help and serve over 16,000 clients.  We pride ourselves on providing high quality legal services to our clients while fostering a work environment that is motivating, collaborative, and fun, with plenty of opportunities for professional growth. More information is available on our website at www.pslegal.org

Job Description

The Pro Bono Manager is a new position with Prairie State Legal Services and will be responsible for assisting the Director of Pro Bono Services in expanding and improving the pro bono program throughout PSLS. The successful candidate will be expected to work no fewer than 22.5 hours per week, although the weekly schedule is flexible. This position may be located in either the West Chicago or Waukegan offices of PSLS; however, PSLS is operating remotely for much of its services due to the pandemic, so a certain level of telecommuting should be expected.

Responsibilities

The Pro Bono Manager will be responsible for assisting the Director of Pro Bono Services with many external facing pro bono opportunities. Responsibilities include:

• Making connections with pro bono coordinators/committees at Chicago area law firms and corporate law departments
• Helping local offices with volunteer awards and recognition
• Working with the Director of Advocacy to design and present CLE programs to train pro bono volunteers in substantive law areas
• Helping design and implement new pro bono projects and clinics throughout our service area
• Providing legal oversight and support to local pro bono coordinators and volunteers
• Providing outreach and help to recruit and train volunteers for new projects
• Helping to staff new projects/clinics during initial implementation
• Fielding inquiries from new volunteers and matching them to the appropriate office or program based on their experience and interests

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this part-time position starts at $35,000, higher depending on experience. PSLS provides its part-time employees with generous paid leave time and the opportunity to enroll in vision insurance and the organization’s retirement plan.

Qualifications

• Currently admitted to the practice of law in the State of Illinois, or eligible for licensing within six months of the first date of employment with Prairie State.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral/written communication, research skills, and computer competency
• Ability to work effectively as a team member

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to serving disadvantaged populations and we will give preference to candidates who have knowledge of poverty law, and experience with a legal services program, pro bono service, bar associations, and/or firm or corporate practice. 

Local travel is required, with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Application Details

Please indicate “ Pro Bono Manager” in the subject line and email a letter explaining your interest and experience, resume, three references, and a short writing sample (no more than 10 pages) to:

• Director of Pro Bono Services, Kimberly Thielbar at kthielbar@pslegal.org
• Director of Human Resources, Jessica Hodierne at jkhodierne@pslegal.org
• Program Administrator, Connie Peterson at cpeterson@pslegal.org

Resumes accepted until position is filled

Prairie State Legal Services is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We will recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.