Telephone Counseling Attorney

Every day, people across Illinois are denied the basic rights to which they are entitled under the law simply because they can’t afford a lawyer. It’s our mission to change that.

PSLS focuses services on legal problems that impact our clients' ability to meet their basic human needs, including adequate housing, public benefits, education, physical safety, access to healthcare, and similar needs. Our Telephone Counseling Service is staffed by 20+ attorneys and Intake Specialists who qualify applicants for service and provide legal advice by phone. The Telephone Counseling Service is the entry point for the majority of over 20,000 applications for legal help and over 15,000 clients annually.

The Telephone Counseling Attorney will interview clients, assess legal issues, and provide advice to clients by phone only. The attorneys also refer clients for additional service within PSLS where resources permit and outside of PSLS as appropriate. Telephone Counseling Service staff are primarily working remotely, full-time, or part-time. Candidates for this position must have the ability to be present at office locations for periodic training and meetings.

Responsibilities
Among other duties as assigned, the Telephone Counseling Attorney will:

• Interview and advise clients calling from throughout our service area who are in need of assistance with diverse legal issues
• Evaluate clients’ legal issues, conduct research while the caller is on the telephone, and provide legal advice relevant to the clients’ needs
• Exhibit a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the position and the PSLS mission

Salary and Benefits
The Telephone Counseling Attorney position is approximately 30-37.5 hours per week. PSLS offers a salary that is competitive with similar organizations. Our salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,231 annually. The starting salary for the successful candidate will be determined based on prior relevant experience. PSLS is committed to providing generous benefits to its employees that include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan including employer contributions
• PTO that starts at 3 weeks/year and increases with additional years worked
• Paid sick leave
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
• Training and education program
• 12 Paid holidays

Qualifications

• Candidates who are Spanish-English bilingual are highly preferred
• Candidates must live within 50 miles of one of the PSLS offices-Illinois residence preferred
• Currently admitted to the practice of law in the State of Illinois or admitted in another state and eligible for reciprocity in Illinois
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Reliable home internet access
• Excellent oral/written communication, research skills, and computer competency
• Ability to work effectively as a team member

Application Details – Resumes accepted until position is filled
Please indicate “Telephone Counseling Attorney” 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 careers@pslegal.org.

PSLS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to create a diverse and inclusive working environment. We recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or other characteristics protected by law.