Intern Legal Aid Society

Metropolitan Family Services • Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is Illinois’ first comprehensive human services agency, dedicated to empowering families to learn, earn, heal, and thrive. Since 1857, MFS has been instrumental in helping families reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities, serving over 117,000 individuals and families across Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County. The Legal Aid Society (LAS), founded in 1886, is the legal aid arm of MFS and is the oldest provider of legal aid in Illinois. LAS is committed to protecting and strengthening families by ensuring equal access to justice for vulnerable populations, including the impoverished, the elderly, and victims of violence and crime. Serving low-income clients in Cook and DuPage Counties, and the Decatur area, LAS operates through four practice groups: Safety & Family (family law, orders of protection, elder abuse prevention), Health, Housing, & Economic Stability (tenant rights, housing issues), Individual Rights & Social Justice (human trafficking, immigration relief, employment law), and Communities Partnering 4 Peace (removing barriers to housing, employment, and financial stability for those impacted by gun violence). This internship offers broad litigation exposure, including client interviewing and counseling, negotiation, research, drafting pleadings, and potential court appearances for those with a 711 license.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a JD program.
• An interest in public interest law and direct services legal work.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively with attorneys, clients, and co-workers.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively on individual assignments and as part of a team.
• Patience and professionalism while working with diverse clients.

Nice To Haves

• An Illinois 711 License or ability to obtain one early in the internship.
• Spanish language fluency.

Responsibilities

• Provide research case law and procedure for effective client representation.
• Assist in identifying and analyzing legal problems and solutions relevant to a practice group’s area of law.
• Support in participating with attorneys in client interviews and negotiations with adverse parties.
• Assist in preparing legal documents including motions, discovery materials, and pleadings in connection with court proceedings.
• Assist maintaining client files.
• Work effectively with staff and a diverse client population.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed