Senior Attorney

Advance the rights of people with disabilities impacted by criminal systems through individual and systemic civil rights advocacy.

• Take a primary role in advancing our existing docket of system litigation matters, including litigation and consent decree enforcement.
• Advocate for incarcerated or institutionalized clients and develop litigation and other systemic strategies.
• Manage a significant workload with a wide range of responsibilities, including client interviews; legal advice and informal advocacy; formal investigations and negotiations; and litigation.
• Mentor staff attorneys, paralegals, and others, including providing attorney review of intake and self-assistance advocacy work.

This role creates positive change by addressing the disparate harm of criminal systems and incarceration to people with disabilities in Illinois through civil rights litigation and advocacy, working to combat over-incarceration and ensure access to rights and services.

• A law degree from an accredited law school and a license to practice law in Illinois, or admission to the Illinois State Bar within one year of employment.
• A minimum of seven years of civil legal practice.
• Experience working with marginalized and criminalized populations, with an emphasis on ability to work inside facilities and with clients experiencing current crisis.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, including for collaborative work, litigation, strategic planning and effective advocacy.

Salary Range: $86,194-$128,472 (commensurate with experience). Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, retirement plan, and generous paid leave.

Equip for Equality has been advancing the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across Illinois for 40 years, serving as the Protection & Advocacy system for Illinois to monitor facility conditions and address abuse, neglect, and civil rights violations.