LAW STUDENT VOLUNTEER - SUMMER 2026 Various Locations (Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender)

Cook County • Chicago, IL

24d

About The Position

The Law Office of the Cook County 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 Cook County Public Defender is currently organized into several divisions: Juvenile Justice, Legal Resources (Appeals and Post-Conviction), Felony Trial, Multiple Defendants, First Municipal (Misdemeanor, Traffic and Domestic Violence), Civil (Family Defense and Family Defense Conflicts), Arrest Response Division, Forensic Science, Policy, Strategic Litigation and Community Engagement Immigration, and the five suburban divisions (Bridgeview, Markham, Maywood, Rolling Meadows and Skokie)
The program is typically a 6-to-12-week assignment. Volunteers are assigned to work with specific attorneys and/or on specific projects. Typically, students are expected to volunteer at least 12 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. Some students may receive academic credit and/or a stipend through their school for their volunteer work, but they are required to make their own arrangements with their educational institutions to receive such credit and/or funding.

Requirements

• Must: (1) be currently enrolled in an accredited law school, or (2) be a graduate of an accredited law school, but not yet licensed as an Illinois attorney.
• Must be able to volunteer for a minimum of four (4) weeks.
• Must be able to volunteer for a minimum of twelve (12) hours per week, during standard business hours (Monday through Friday/ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Nice To Haves

• Current eligibility for S. Ct. Rule 711 License.
• Familiarity with various computer programs i.e., Microsoft Office, Power Point, Excel, etc. relevant to the law Office of the Public Defender.
• Ability to communicate and interact with culturally diverse clients.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• Sound interviewing and interpersonal skills; and
• Strong bilingual verbal and written communication skills (Spanish, Polish, etc.).

What This Job Offers

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