Staff Attorney

The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) provides free legal services to low-income older adults and persons with disabilities. CDEL’s clients, individuals often marginalized by age, disability and income, may have difficulty accessing the legal system. CDEL strives to provide access to the legal system to assist our clients in asserting their legal rights and live better lives.   

CDEL seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to support various program areas. This role will assist in managing volunteers including interns and provide direct legal representation for clients on a variety of legal matters in CDEL’s practice areas. Successful candidates must be able to travel to workshop and clinic locations located throughout Cook County.   

Responsibilities  

• Provide direct legal services to clients in the areas of housing, adult guardianship, consumer law, estate planning and public benefits
   

• Conduct educational outreach presentations  

• Provide training and supervision to pro bono volunteers 

• Assist with interviewing, hiring and supervision of interns
   

• Assist with organization workshops  

• Manage a time-sensitive caseload along with other assigned work  

• Ensure grant reporting compliance  

• Supervise volunteers and interns working on clinic matters    

• Monitor and interpret laws, rules and, ordinances  

• Other duties as assigned  

Qualifications  

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois or able to become licensed in Illinois 

• Two years of experience as a practicing attorney preferred - candidates with demonstrated experience who do not meet this qualification may be considered 

• Demonstrated commitment to CDEL’s client base, including working with older adults and persons with disabilities  

• Strong ability to communicate with multiple clients and stakeholders  

• Experience with housing, adult guardianship, estate planning, and consumer law preferred   

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines  

• Detail-oriented   

• Creative and innovative approach to solving problems  

• Enthusiastic about providing legal services throughout communities in and around Chicago  

• Enjoys engaging with clients and other staff   

• Desire to work with and mentor interns and pro bono volunteers   

• Works collaboratively and communicates transparently with other staff members  

• Spanish speaking and writing skills a plus  

Salary and Benefits  

Salary range:  $64,000-$76,000, depending on experience.  Full-time position.    

CDEL offers a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance.  CDEL also has a generous personal time off policy.    

About the Organization  

The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) is a dynamic 501(c)(3) legal aid organization dedicated to empowering low-income older adults and persons with disabilities in Chicago and Cook County through pro bono legal assistance. Founded by the Chicago Bar Association in 1982, CDEL serves approximately 3,000 clients annually, delivering access to justice and improving lives.  

With a talented in-house team and a network of hundreds of volunteer attorneys, students, and paralegals, CDEL focuses on resolving legal challenges in four key practice areas: end-of-life planning, adult guardianship, housing, and consumer issues. Through innovative programs and passionate advocacy, CDEL ensures that legal solutions are within reach for thousands of individuals every year, enabling them to lead their lives with dignity and security.  

CDEL is an equal opportunity employer. We are a welcoming community that engages, encourages, and empowers those who are members of underrepresented communities. We are a dedicated advocate for our clients who hold many diverse identities and experiences, across race, color, sex, age, religion, class, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge, source of income, housing status, and gender identity. We believe that these communities must be centered inEquity and Inclusion Statement available on our website.  

Position is open immediately and will be closed when filled. Applications received by February 2, 2026 will be given preference.