Supervising Attorney

Supervising Attorney

The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) provides free legal services to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. CDEL’s clients, individuals often marginalized by age, disability and poverty, 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 Supervising Attorney to oversee its intake process and general practice area. The Supervising Attorney will lead a team of staff attorneys, paralegals, coordinators and interns. 

Responsibilities

Supervise a team of staff attorneys, paralegals, coordinators and interns

Ensure that all intakes are processed correctly and timely

Advise and represent clients in civil court on matters

Negotiate resolutions with opposing counsel and opposing parties

Manage a time-sensitive caseload

Ensure grant reporting compliance for certain programs

Provide supervision to interns and volunteers

Draft, file, and present dispositive motions in court

Monitor and interpret laws, rules, and ordinances

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois

At least five years of experience as a practicing attorney

Experience with consumer debt, housing matters and/or public benefits preferred

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

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

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

Detail-oriented

Creative and innovative approach to solving problems

Works collaboratively and communicates transparently with other staff members

Previous management experience preferred

Salary and Benefits

Salary range:  $89,000-$99,000, depending on experience.  Full-time position. 

CDEL offers a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching, access to Employee Assistance Program, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance.  Chicago Bar Association Membership is provided at no cost. Annual ARDC registration fees are reimbursed. 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 in the work we do. Hence, we encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized and underrepresented communities to apply for this position. We also encourage you to read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement available on our website.  

Position is open immediately and will be closed when filled. Applications received by March 15, 2026 will be given preference.