Staff Attorney, Family Law & Safety in Darien, Illinois at SHALVA, Inc.

Why This Role Matters

As survivors of domestic abuse, our clients frequently struggle with navigating the family court system. The Staff Attorney helps them understand what is possible and realistic in Illinois family law and safety-related matters, so they can make informed decisions. This role sits inside a client’s circle of care, coordinating closely with SHALVA therapists and strengthening client safety and stability by clarifying legal options in plain language, preparing targeted legal documents, providing limited-scope representation as appropriate, and supporting clients in working effectively with outside counsel.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing legal education on family law and safety-related topics, including orders of protection, parenting time and decision-making authority, divorce, and child support.
• Conducting legal needs assessments to identify urgent issues, deadlines, and appropriate limited-scope service level.
• Explaining court processes and legal options in plain language to support informed client decision-making and coaching clients on preparing for meetings, hearings, depositions and communications with outside attorneys.
• Providing limited-scope representation and appear in court in select matters, such as orders of protection, agreed pre-decree matters, and post-decree matters consistent with SHALVA’s service model.
• Providing referrals, when available, to external legal resources and supporting warm handoffs when matters exceed SHALVA’s limited-scope model.
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents such as petitions, affidavits, proposed orders, parenting plans, and correspondence within limited-scope engagements.
• Aligning legal steps with therapeutic goals and safety planning in coordination with SHALVA therapists, while respecting consent, confidentiality, and privilege boundaries.
• Communicating with clients’ outside attorneys, with client authorization, to support effective representation and continuity of care.
• Coordinating with the Chicago Beit Din and client-retained attorneys as needed to support client needs.
• Consulting with attorneys in other practice areas to answer limited questions and refer clients when appropriate.
• Presenting programs to legal organizations such as AAML, IICLE, Decalogue, young attorneys etc.
• Developing and executing CLE programs one to two times a year for a large audience on topics generally relevant to the intersection of domestic abuse and domestic relations .
• Serving as the staff liaison for the Board Legal Committee.

What You Bring

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school or equivalent legal education credential
• Active Illinois license to practice law in good standing
• Family law practice experience, typically 5 plus years, including orders of protection, divorce, custody, child support, and guardian ad litem-related matters
• Familiarity with Jewish tradition and customs especially those connected to marriage, divorce and family dynamics preferred
• Experience with domestic violence–impacted clients and exposure to trauma-informed service delivery in a social services setting preferred

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times

Salary/Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and schedule (to be determined, between 30-37 hours a week). Benefits include health insurance, generous paid leave, FSA, cell phone stipend, life and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan with an employer match component after one year.