Overview

STAFF ATTORNEY  (2 Positions)

 

EQUIP FOR EQUALITY SEEKS TO HIRE TWO DISABILITY RIGHTS ATTORNEYS

Equip for Equality (EFE), an Illinois civil rights organization providing legal advocacy services to people with disabilities, seeks to hire two attorneys within its Civil Rights Team. One attorney will be hired as a Staff Attorney to serve people with disabilities in Central Illinois. The other attorney will be hired for a two-year fellowship serving people with disabilities statewide.

 

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISABILITY RIGHTS STAFF ATTORNEY 

The attorney for this position will serve people with disabilities in Central Illinois. Although ideally the attorney will be located in Central Illinois, EFE will consider attorneys who do not live in Central Illinois, but who will commit to serving people with disabilities in that region. The attorney will represent people with disabilities in a wide range of areas, including discrimination, community integration, guardianship defense, and abuse and neglect. Attorneys will have the flexibility to work remotely, hybrid or in the Springfield office.

 

DISABILITY RIGHTS ATTORNEY/FELLOW

The attorney for this position will be hired for a two-year fellowship, that may be extended. The attorney will work on community integration, guardianship defense and abuse and neglect. The position will have a strong focus on client interviews, self-advocacy assistance, negotiation and, as experience allows, litigation. The attorney can be located anywhere within Illinois and will have the flexibility to work remotely, hybrid or in any of Equip for Equality’s offices.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR BOTH ATTORNEY POSITIONS

Licensed to practice law in Illinois
Strong written and oral communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving approaches.
Ability to work in a team as well as self-direct work as needed.
Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of people with disabilities and to  reforming systems that have over-institutionalized people with disabilities. (Preferred)
Experience with and/or commitment to working with diverse client populations  (Preferred)
Personal or professional experience with people with disabilities (Preferred)
Able to travel throughout Central Illinois periodically
Full  COVID-19 vaccination, including booster
HIRING PROCESS

Equip for Equality encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply for these positions. People with disabilities and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Application Deadline, How to Apply, Compensation and Benefits

Applications will be accepted until November 14, 2022. Please include salary expectations in the cover letter. Salary is commensurate with experience and EFE offers excellent benefits.

(Click link to apply)

Disability Rights Attorney – Central Illinois  

Disability Rights Attorney Fellow

 

Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.

 

Because Equip for Equality is a community-serving organization and safety is of the utmost importance, Equip for Equality requires a background check for employees and others who volunteer or perform services for us depending on the role. The background check is run for employees once a conditional offer of employment has been extended. Background checks are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, EFE’s policy, and paid for by EFE. A disclosed record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.

 

Do you need a reasonable accommodation for our application process?
Equip for Equality is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources at lajune@equipforequality.org, and let her know the nature of your request and your contact information. Disability related information that is disclosed via the application process will be kept confidential.

 

Learn more about EFE at https://www.equipforequality.org/

Equip for Equality is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About Equip for Equality

For nearly 35 years, Equip for Equality has been advancing the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across Illinois. Among our many accomplishments, Equip for Equality has made Chicago public transportation more accessible, helped tens of thousands of people with disabilities move from institutions into the community, increased inclusive education and educational outcomes for students with disabilities, and enhanced safety and quality of care in a variety of settings. We have offices throughout Illinois.

 

Equip for Equality has three Programs: the Civil Rights Team, the Special Education Clinic, and the Abuse Investigation Unit. Equip for Equality has a dedicated staff of 60 attorneys, social workers, and administrative staff working every day to advance our mission. As we work to improve society’s inclusion of individuals with disabilities, we also strive to be an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming workplace.