Associate/Junior Attorney – Guardianship, Special Needs & Estate Planning

Associate/Junior Attorney – Guardianship, Special Needs & Estate Planning | Make a Daily Difference
Clancy & Associates

Make a Meaningful Impact. Support Families. Build Your Career.

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Junior Attorney to join our growing special needs planning practice. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities and their families navigate important legal and life planning decisions.

At Clancy & Associates, we do more than practice law—we bring peace of mind to families navigating complex legal, financial, and life-planning decisions for their loved ones with disabilities. Our firm specializes in special needs planning, estate planning, and guardianship, with a strong focus on client-centered service and community support.

About the Role

As a Junior Attorney, you will work closely with our attorneys and legal staff to assist families in obtaining guardianship, developing an action plan, and drafting special needs trusts and estate planning documents. This position offers substantial client contact, courtroom experience in uncontested matters, and opportunities to develop expertise in a highly specialized area of law. This position is open to applicants located in the Chicago metropolitan area only.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to gather information, explain legal procedures, and guide families through the guardianship process.
• Manage uncontested guardianship matters from intake through court representation and approval.
• Draft guardianship petitions, pleadings, orders, annual reports, and related court filings.
• Prepare estate planning and special needs planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and special needs trusts.
• Assist families in understanding government benefit considerations, including SSI and Medicaid eligibility.
• Maintain accurate case management records and ensure all deadlines are met.
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to provide exceptional client service.
• Participate in community outreach, educational workshops, and speaking engagements as opportunities arise.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• 2 years of courtroom experience
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois, or awaiting Illinois bar admission.
• Strong legal research, writing, and drafting skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal technology / project management platforms.
• Experience in guardianship, probate, estate planning, elder law, or special needs planning is preferred but not required.
• Personal or professional experience supporting individuals with disabilities is strongly considered.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $80,000-90,000 per year, based on experience, plus bonus (performance and origination) opportunities

*Compensation is commensurate with experience. Benefits subject to change and eligibility.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, let us know why you're interested in this position and how it aligns with your professional goals.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience (personal or professional) with individuals with disabilities? Please describe.
• Do you have 2 years of courtroom experience, whether in Guardianship matters or other? Please describe.

Work Location: In person