Job Listing

About UPLC: UPLC is a small nonprofit legal aid and advocacy organization located in Uptown that protects the rights of tenants, people with disabilities and people who are currently and formerly incarcerated. 

UPLC represents disabled adults seeking Social Security disability benefits, tenants experiencing problems with their landlords (including illegal eviction), individuals who were discriminated against in the apartment application process, and people being held in Illinois prisons whose rights have been violated while in prison.  

Position Purpose: The Supervising Attorney will oversee UPLC’s Social Security program and lead the drive in the statewide expansion of UPLC’s InReach Project – which seeks to assist and represent individuals in custody with applications for benefits prior to their release from custody and advocates for the state of Illinois to adopt Social Security application assistance as a core pillar of its re-entry programming. 

Position Responsibilities: This position will report to the Legal Director. The position will coordinate and supervise the Social Security attorneys and paralegals, handle a docket of individual cases, and work partner agencies to expand UPLC’s InReach Program. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Supervise and train staff attorneys and paralegals working on Social Security cases.
• Act as lead attorney on up to 20 individual cases, which includes the review of medical records, drafting briefs, and appearing in administrative hearings. 
• Build and maintain working relationships with incarcerated individuals, other advocacy groups, the Illinois state government, and the Social Security Administration with the goal to expand the statewide reach of UPLC’s InReach Program. 
• Help develop innovative strategies to further the mission of Uptown People’s Law Center and meet the legal needs of our clients. 
• Participate, along with the Executive Director, Legal Director, and all staff, in case development and selection.
• Carry out special projects and other directives as assigned by the Executive Director and Legal Director
• Work with other staff to build the UPLC’s capacity through outreach, communications and fundraising 

Qualifications:

• J.D., licensed to practice law in Illinois, or with the ability to become licensed in Illinois within a reasonable time
• 7-10 years experience as a licensed attorney, with a minimum of 5 years experience in Social Security and disability law. 
• Ability to work effectively with both UPLC clients, many of whom have experienced trauma and/or crisis, and community partners. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and draft quality written arguments. 
• Cross-cultural competencies and self-awareness around issues of power, privilege, and difference

Travel Requirements: Ability to drive and be available for out-of-town travel, primarily to mid-state prisons, approximately once a month.  

Salary & Benefits: Salary depends on experience and starts at $85,000/year. UPLC provides individual health insurance, retirement contributions and generous paid time off.

Flex time and remote work options are available; however, in person attendance is often required due to the nature of the work. 

This is a full-time, exempt position. Non-traditional hours—weekends and evenings—may be required on occasion. 

UPLC is proud to be a unionized workplace. This position is represented by Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 39. We believe that supporting workers’ rights and collective bargaining strengthens our advocacy for our clients and our community. Wages, hours, and working conditions for this role may be governed by our collective bargaining agreement, which is still in progress. 

To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references to hiring@uplcchicago.org. Include “SSA Supervising Attorney” in the subject line. Applications should be submitted by September 30th. Please, no phone calls, emails, visits, or social media contact regarding the position.