The Chicago Bar Foundation is seeking applicants for full-time fellowship positions with the Illinois JusticeCorps. The AmeriCorps program provides college students and recent graduates the opportunity to provide legal information, procedural guidance, and resource referrals to people going to court without lawyers. Applications for the upcoming program year, which runs from August 2020 through August 2021, will be accepted until May 31, 2020.
As the number of lawyers in rural communities declines and the rate of self-represented litigants rises, JusticeCorps fellows strive to make the courts a less intimidating environment for people without lawyers. Fellows provide navigational assistance, referrals to legal aid and other services, connections to online resources and court forms, and legal information on court procedures. Last year, JusticeCorps fellows and volunteers helped over 57,000 people in Cook County.
The Chicago Bar Foundation launched the Illinois JusticeCorps in 2009. Since then, the program has grown significantly in part due to partnerships with the Illinois Bar Foundation and the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, along with support from the Serve Illinois Commission and the Corporation for National and Community Service. JusticeCorps fellows and volunteers currently serve patrons at 13 courthouses across 10 counties in Illinois.
Accepted applicants will receive a living stipend and other typical benefits of full-time employment, as well as an education award upon successful completion of the program. For questions or to apply, contact Cortney Redman at credman@iljusticecorps.org or (312) 914-9521.
Staying up to date on issues impacting the legal profession is vital to your success. Subscribe here to get the Commission’s weekly news delivered to your inbox.