Juvenile Defender Resource Center Intern (Summer 2027)

Juvenile Defender Resource Center Internship:

For Summer 2027, OSAD will offer internship opportunities with the Juvenile Defender Resource Center (JDRC) which may be remote, hybrid, or in-person out of the Chicago office. Interns applying for the JDRC will support the work of attorneys statewide who are representing youth in delinquency and criminal court. Interns will be given research and writing opportunities on discrete, time-sensitive matters as well as larger collaborative projects. Interns with the JDRC may have opportunities to work with a broader community of system stakeholders and explore model systems and best practices in youth defense.

Qualifications for All Internships:

Applicants must be current law students and possess excellent legal research, writing, editing, and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to understand factual and legal issues and present them clearly and concisely. Preference is given to applicants with a demonstrated interest in public service and coursework in legal writing, criminal law, evidence, and appellate advocacy. The internships are unpaid; we can provide school credit if the university permits.

How to Apply:

Applications for internship programs described above will be accepted until the following dates or until all positions are filled:

Full-Time Summer Internships (JDRC and all District Offices): Summer 2027: January 31, 2027

Part-Time School-Year Internships: Spring 2027 (Chicago and Ottawa offices): November 30, 2026 Fall 2026 (Chicago office only): July 31, 2026

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample in PDF format (preferably as one file, with the file name beginning with your name, e.g., “Jane Doe Application” or “Jane Doe Resume,” “Jane Doe Writing Sample”, etc.”) to:

Chicago: 1stdistrict.internprogram@osad.state.il.us Elgin: 2ndDistrict@osad.state.il.us Ottawa: 3rdDistrict@osad.state.il.us Springfield: 4thDistrict@osad.state.il.us Mt. Vernon: 5thDistrict@osad.state.il.us JDRC: JDRC@osad.state.il.us

The Office of the State Appellate Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion.