2026-2027 Yearlong FOIA Paralegal Intern

Chicago Transit Authority • Chicago, IL

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

Chicago Transit Authority is the second largest transit system in the country! Our college internship program offers summer and year-long internships that provide students with valuable work experience, professional development, and mentorship. Students receive exposure to the discipline of the workplace and are guided by subject matter experts who assist them in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to perform in today’s technically demanding careers. Interns at CTA work in a range of departments across the authority. Internships are part-time (15 hours a week) during the school year and full-time (40 hours a week) during the summer. In this role within the Office of General Counsel department's Compliance, Policy, and Risk unit, interns will assist in proceedings of public records requests under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, learn the requirements of a Reasonable Search, create a FOIA process map, assist Freedom of Information Officers in resolving FOIA compliance issues, and organize, reproduce, scan, and mail records.

Requirements

• Full-time enrollment (as defined by the academic institution) in a degree program at an accredited college or university currently and during the entirety of the internship.
• Strong Microsoft Office and computer skills.
• Working knowledge of SharePoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Good project management skills.
• Good legal research and investigative skills.
• Ability to interact with all levels of CTA personnel and the public.

Nice To Haves

• Major in Law, Paralegal Studies, BA/MS/MA Political Science, or MA Public Administration.
• College Juniors, Graduate & Law Students.
• Experience using public record portals (e.g. GovQA preferred).
• Experience with document management systems (e.g. CoourseLink or Imanage preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assist in proceedings of public records requests under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
• Learn the requirements of a Reaseonable Search and utilize them to seek out and identify records responsive to a FOIA request.
• Create a FOIA process map and make suggestions for improvements based upon experience.
• Assist Freedom of Information Officers in resolving FOIA compliance issues as they arise.
• Organize, reproduce, scan, and mail records as necessary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern