Join us in Building Democracy

Citizen Advocacy Center is seeking an action-oriented Community Lawyer, licensed to practice in Illinois, passionate about democracy and uprooting injustice. The ideal candidate has legal advocacy or litigation experience and desires a long-term career in public interest law. Energetic lawyers willing to employ and develop their public speaking, community organizing, advocacy, research, writing, and mentoring skills are also encouraged to apply regardless of experience. Lawyers with social media, marketing, or communications experience should highlight this on their application.

The Community Lawyer must be willing to work with a diverse group of people in a team environment and have the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities. Additionally, the Community Lawyer should be comfortable speaking in a public setting and interacting with members of the community on a daily basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Engaging individuals and organizations regarding matters of public concern that fit within our mission and criteria of building democracy for the 21st Century.

• Conducting legal research and writing.

• Organizing campaigns and planning strategies that will enable community groups to advance their cause.

• Giving testimony or public comment at government meetings, and speaking to community groups and professional organizations.

• Cooperating with policymakers and educators to advance civic engagement policies across a broad spectrum, including statewide civic education.

• Executing grant-related work as developed in collaboration with the executive director.

• Planning and executing Democracy Workshops for the public, the press, and public officials about the laws that enable and ensure citizen participation in the governmental decision-making process on matters of public significance.

• Mentoring student interns and supervising their projects.

• Educating the public about being active, informed, and effective community leaders through presentations, written materials, one-on-one engagement, and the media.

• Monitoring local governments for abuses of power and undemocratic practices.

• Holding government officials and entities accountable for anti-democratic policies that dissuade public participation.

• Supporting litigation where appropriate or necessary to enforce and strengthen public​ policies that uphold democracy and democratic protocols.

• Referring community members who have legal issues that are outside the scope of CAC’s service or beyond CAC’s capacity.

• Collaborating with outside lawyers and legal professionals to ensure effective advocacy.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00/year
Benefits: Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave

License/Certification:

• IL law license or will have IL Bar admission within a year (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Elmhurst, IL 60126: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Elmhurst, IL 60126

Applications will remain under consideration until the position is filled.

CAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and diverse cultures, perspectives and skills, and experiences. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

Every year, the Citizen Advocacy Center takes on interns from law school, college, and high school. An internship with the Citizen Advocacy Center is an excellent way to learn about how government really works, and to develop an array of skills that are useful to good citizenship and to the practice of law.

Learn more