Job Description
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: COMMUNITY LAWYER AT CITIZEN ADVOCACY CENTER
THE ORGANIZATION
- Nonprofit organization dedicated to building democracy and strengthening public's capacities, resources, and institutions for self-governance - Based in Chicagoland area with 30 years of experience - Uses legal advocacy, community organizing, public policy analysis, media outreach, civic education, and litigation to foster citizen-initiated community engagement with government - Office located in Elmhurst, Illinois
POSITION DESCRIPTION
- Seeking action-oriented lawyer passionate about democracy and democratic values, uprooting injustice, and working with people to have a more effective role in civic affairs - Encourages energetic lawyers to activate and improve their speaking, community organizing, advocacy, research, writing, mentoring, and litigation skills - Ideal candidate has at least a few years of legal advocacy or litigation experience and desires a long-term public interest legal career - High self-motivation and dedication to public interest law also considered - Must be able to work in a team environment and adapt to changing priorities - Comfortable speaking in public and interacting with constituents on a daily basis
SALARY AND BENEFITS
- Compensation: $40,000 - $44,000, with potential for increase based on job performance and contribution to the development and growth of the organization - Benefits include health care, vacation, semi-remote or flexible time work, and participation in a profit-sharing plan when vested - Equal opportunity employer
COMMUNITY LAWYER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
ADVOCACY
- Engage with citizens and organizations regarding concerns about participation in government decision-making and public issues - Answer legal questions and provide information in understandable terms - Refer citizens to other resources when necessary - Help community groups organize campaigns and plan strategies - Advocate for democratic process and community issues through writing, testimony, and speaking engagements - Collaborate with policymakers and educators to advance civic engagement policies
CIVIC EDUCATION
- Facilitate Democracy Workshops for the public, press, and public officials - Mentor and supervise high school, college, and law student interns and volunteers - Educate citizens and youth about effective community leadership
MONITOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS
- Monitor local governments for abuses of power and undemocratic practices - Hold government officials accountable for anti-democratic policies - Litigate when necessary to enforce and strengthen public policies supporting democracy
HOW TO APPLY
- Email cover letter and resume to Jack Bentley, Executive Director and Community Lawyer - Email: **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***
H1: COMMUNITY LAWYER POSITION AT CITIZEN ADVOCACY CENTER H2: JOIN OUR TEAM AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN DEMOCRACY
BULLET POINTS: - Nonprofit organization dedicated to building democracy - Seeking action-oriented lawyer passionate about democracy and public engagement - Encourages development of skills in speaking, community organizing, advocacy, research, writing, mentoring, and litigation - Ideal candidate has legal advocacy or litigation experience and desires long-term public interest legal career - Must be able to work in team environment and adapt to changing priorities - Salary range: $40,000 - $44,000 with potential for increase based on performance and contribution to organization's growth - Benefits include health care, vacation, flexible work options, and profit-sharing plan - Responsibilities include advocacy, civic education, and monitoring local governments and institutions - How to apply: email cover letter and resume to Executive Director and Community Lawyer, Jack Bentley
