Staff Attorney (part-time, cover letter required)

COVER LETTER REQUIRED.

Part-Time Staff Attorney

Help Older Adults Protect Their Rights, Security, and Independence

Location: Chicago, IL
Schedule: Part-Time (22.5 hours / 3 days per week)
Salary: $50,000-$55,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
Union: Not eligible

About CJE SeniorLife

For more than 50 years, CJE SeniorLife has helped older adults live with dignity, independence, and purpose. Through healthcare, housing, counseling, and legal services, we support older adults and their families across the Chicago area.

The Irving H. and Jane W. Goldberg Legal Services program provides free civil legal services to older adults and caregivers, helping them navigate complex issues related to estate planning, healthcare decision-making, housing stability, and financial security.

About the Role

CJE SeniorLife is seeking a Part-Time Staff Attorney to provide compassionate legal services to older adults and caregivers. This role focuses on estate planning and elder law matters, including powers of attorney, wills, and Transfer on Death Instruments (TODI), as well as financial education and other matters affecting older adults with low income.

This is a non-litigation role focused on legal counseling, document preparation, and community engagement. This role will occasionally travel locally to outposts or events in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Services

• Provide legal counseling to older adults and caregivers
• Prepare estate planning documents including powers of attorney, wills, and TODI
• Support clients with housing stability and financial security issues
• Maintain accurate case documentation and client records

Community Outreach & Education

• Conduct presentations and workshops on advance care planning and other topics
• Support outreach initiatives to expand access to legal services

Collaboration & Program Support

• Work with CJE teams to connect clients to supportive services
• Participate in agency initiatives and cross-department collaboration

• Stay current with legal developments and participate in professional learning

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active Illinois law license
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Commitment to serving older adults and the Agency's target populations by delivering exceptional legal counseling and support
• Commitment to the Agency's mission of enhancing quality of life and working in a mission-driven organization
• Comfort using CRM or client management software, Microsoft Office products, and adept at learning new technologies

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in legal services, elder law, or estate planning
• Experience working in nonprofit or community-based legal programs
• Experience providing legal education or community outreach

Core Competencies

• Compassionate client advocacy
• Clear communication and legal guidance
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Ethical practice and accountability
• Commitment to a mission-driven work environment

Benefits (Part-Time Employees)

• Vacation and Sick Time Off
• Employee Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Purchase Discounts
• Continuing Education Opportunities

Our Culture

At CJE SeniorLife, we are guided by values of respect, compassion, advocacy, innovation, intention, and accountability. Our team is united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of older adults and strengthening our community.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CJE SeniorLife is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

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