VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - LEGAL - PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE

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Volunteer Position Summary

The Law Office of the Public Defender provides law students the opportunity to learn more about the criminal and juvenile justice systems by participating in our Internship Program as a volunteer. The Law Office of the Public Defender is currently organized into several divisions: Juvenile Justice, Legal Resources (Appeals and Post Conviction), Felony Trial, Multiple Defendants, First Municipal (Misdemeanor, Traffic, Domestic Violence),  Civil (Child Protection and Mental Health), Homicide Task Force, and five suburban divisions. Additionally there are several specialized units, including Sentencing Advocacy, Forensic Science, and Investigations. 

The program is typically a 6 to 12 week assignment. Volunteers are assigned to work with specific attorneys and/or on specific projects. Students are expected to volunteer at least 15 - 20 hours per week during the summer, fall, or spring program. They may be assigned to any of the divisions within the office provided they meet the qualifications. The number of volunteers allowed to work in the office will be determined by the Public Defender at the beginning of each semester.

Typical Duties

Students may assist attorneys in trial preparation, legal research, client interview sessions, discovery conferences, investigations, witness preparation, drafting pre-trial and post-trial motions, and motion hearings. At the conclusion of the clerkship, students are evaluated by their supervisors, and they will also evaluate their experiences within the office.   Law students holding a 711 Qualification under Supreme Court Rule 711 may work in court under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney.  All services provided by a volunteer must cease after the volunteer passes the bar exam.  If a volunteer wants to be later considered for a paid position, he or she must comply with the Cook County hiring procedures in order to be considered.

Minimum Qualifications

• Students must have completed at least one full year of law school or paralegal school.
• Students must be able to travel to their assignment, providing their own means of transportation.
• Students must be able to maintain confidentiality of case material.

Desired Qualifications

• Students should have demonstrated interest in working with indigent clients.
• Students should be skilled in legal research and be able to gather information from various other sources.
• Students should possess excellent writing skills.
• Students should be familiar with computer programs relevant to the law Office of the Public Defender.
• Students should have an ability to communicate and interact with culturally diverse clients.

Application Materials

• Students should submit a cover letter and resume with their application. Two letters of recommendations are also required and must be received by the Personnel Office from the student’s professors and/or employers before the student can be admitted into the program. Please submit your cover letter and resume as attachments with your application.
• If a student will receive course credit, a stipend, or a grant, the requirement above for the two recommendation letters will be waived, however the student must submit proof of enrollment in a course or program prior to being admitted into the program.

Volunteers must sign an affidavit of confidentiality and waiver of liability and complete a volunteer/intern application.

Volunteers must sign a No Political Consideration form