Early Resolution Program Paralegal

Center for Disability & Elder Law  

Early Resolution Program Paralegal 

 

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 paralegal to support its Early Resolution Program.  The Early Resolution Program is a countywide initiative designed to help self-represented litigants resolve eviction and consumer debt disputes. This Program is a collaboration between the Cook County Courts, the Chicago Bar Foundation, the Center for Conflict Resolution, multiple legal aid organizations, and multiple rental assistance programs.  

 

The paralegal is expected to participate in a hybrid experience, with a combination of remote work and in-person work.  

  

Responsibilities 

• Interview candidates for potential service 

• Conduct intakes and follow up with clients on consumer debt and housing matters and other matters as  

• Draft documents for attorney review 

• Support CDEL attorney document review and client correspondence 

• Track case progress in CDEL’s case management system 

• Other duties as assigned 

 

Qualifications 

• Experience with direct client services  

• Experience with consumer debt and landlord-tenant disputes preferred 

• Demonstrated commitment to CDEL’s target population and social justice preferred 

• Experience with the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt Early Resolution Program a plus 

• Ability to speak and write Spanish a plus 

 

Required Skills 

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

• Adaptability 

• Detail-oriented  

• Creative and innovative approach to solving problems
   

• Comfortable with CDEL’s client base, including working with older adults and people with disabilities
   

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

• Enjoys engaging with clients and other staff 
   

 

Salary and Benefits
 

 

Salary range:  $46-50K depending on experience.  Full-time position.  CDEL offers a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, 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 more than 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 June 16, 2025 will be given preference.

Salary

• $46 - $50,000