Spring Volunteer Internship - Child Protection Division - Law Students Only

Cook County State's Attorney's Office • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office's Child Protection Division is seeking law student volunteers for its spring internship session, January 11 through May 21, 2027. Interns work on-site at the Juvenile Court Building at 1100 S. Hamilton, Chicago, and must be available an average of 15 hours per week. Individual schedules are coordinated with the supervising attorney, with special flexibility around exams; interns may end early based on their schedules. There is no remote-work option. The internship is unpaid and does not include benefits. At the attorney supervisor's discretion, interns may continue in the summer session, June 7 through August 20.

Interns gain experience working with Assistant State’s Attorneys handling cases involving child abuse, neglect, or dependency. The division seeks safe and supportive family structures for youth, recognizing each child's individual path to success. The internship is suited to students with a special interest in child protection and juvenile justice. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Requirements

• Must be an active law student.
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Must be in good standing with their school and not on academic probation or similar status.
• Must be available to work on-site at the courthouse an average of 15 hours per week.
• Students actively enrolled in law clinics are not eligible due to potential conflicts of interest.

Nice To Haves

• A special interest in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice.
• Enrollment in or completion of coursework or clinics in Family Law, Juvenile Law, Child Protection: Abuse & Neglect, Children’s Law, Domestic Violence, Interviewing & Counseling, or family, child advocacy, or Guardian ad Litem clinics.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and assist with legal research.
• Review discovery and assist with trial work-up.
• Prepare memos.
• Partner with counsel on case management and procedural requirements.
• Observe court proceedings and, if licensed pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711, participate in court hearings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed