Internship and Externship Opportunities

What is a judicial externship?

Judicial externs are law school students who work in chambers for a judge in exchange for school credit, a stipend from an outside agency or to gain experience working in the court system. Externs perform such tasks as file evaluation, legal research, or preparation of memoranda. Externs may work along with staff attorneys or directly and solely with a judge.

The Office of the Chief Judge offers law students an off-campus externship as an academic opportunity to experience the day-to-day operations of the state court system.

What time commitments are required?

Time commitments are determined by the supervising judge or legal staff and can range from 2-5 days a week. In the Summer Program, there is a 6-week minimum and up to a 12-week maximum commitment.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Students who have completed the first year of law school in day or evening studies and are in good academic standing may apply for a judicial externship.

What is the application process?

• Submit the required documents (listed in the OCJ Intern/Extern Application Checklist, page 6) by the posted deadlines.
• Receive an electronic acknowledgment of received documents.
• Submitted documents are reviewed.
• Interviews are conducted, either by telephone or in person.
• Persons offered a position are required to submit to prescreening tests which include a background check and a drug test. These can only be scheduled by the Circuit Court of Cook County.

When are the application deadlines?

Fall Semester: July 1
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Semester: March 1

Can I apply for a judicial externship independently of the law school?

Students may apply for judicial externships either through their law school’s externship program or independently of their law school.

If you have any additional questions, please contact:

Lanice Mitchell
Director of Program Services
Phone: (312) 603-6545
lanice.mitchell@cookcountyil.gov

Mail can be sent to:
Office of the Chief Judge 
Attn: Externship Program 
50 West Washington Street, Suite 2600
Chicago, Illinois 60602

What is an Adult Probation Department college internship?

The Adult Probation Department offers an internship program for college students interested in learning about work in the criminal justice system. The semester-long program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. The program offers practical, first-hand courtroom and case management experience.

Classroom instruction provides overviews of department policies and procedures and of court processes. On-the-job training consists of working with an assigned probation officer to observe as well as perform job duties which include interviewing probationers, scoring risks and needs assessments, completing supervision plans, conducting field visits, attending court hearings and preparing court documents.

What time commitments are required?

Interns must attend a four-day orientation program, work a minimum of two full days per week, and complete a minimum of 200 hours or meet their school's internship requirement.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the internship program, undergraduate students must have completed two years of studies and have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 and a grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) in their major.

Participants are selected based upon a review of interview results and application materials, which include college transcripts, a résumé and cover letter, a writing sample (to evaluate writing skills), and two letters of recommendation -- one from an academic source and one from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting. Applicants are also subject to criminal background checks.

How does the application process start?

After securing permission to seek placement from their college’s internship coordinator, applicants forward all requested materials to the Adult Probation Department’s Internship Coordinator. Upon receipt of the application and accompanying documents, all materials are reviewed and prospective interns are contacted to schedule an interview to further discuss opportunities available and determine selection.

When are the application deadlines?

All applications should be submitted 12 weeks prior to the start of the semester, quarter, or summer term for which admission is sought.

What are the required documents?

1. OCJ Internship application
2. Résumé and cover letter
3. Official college transcripts
4. Writing sample (to evaluate writing skills)
5. Two letters of recommendation -- one from an academic source and one
   from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting.

For questions, contact:

Adult Probation Department's Training Division by email at apd.training@cookcountyil.gov if you are interested in applying for an internship, or if you would like more information regarding the program. 

What is an Adult Probation Department graduate mental health unit internship?

The Adult Probation Department offers a two-semester internship program for advanced master’s students of social work, psychology, and related fields interested in applying and developing their clinical skills in a court-based mental health unit serving probationers with severe and persistent mental illness. Our mission is to assist probationers in maintaining engagement in mental health treatment and comply with other special conditions of probation. We work closely with treatment providers for referrals, progress, and discussion regarding other relevant interventions.

Under the supervision of licensed clinicians, interns conduct mental health screening eligibilities for court and interview detainees in custody to determine eligibility. They carry a small caseload of clients throughout their placement. They conduct mental health assessments, treatment plans, locus, and a variety of mental health paperwork; observe court proceedings involving their clients; provide varied interventions with clients; review and analyze criminal history information, psychiatric records, police reports, and other relevant data; and participate in any ongoing projects and/or research initiatives.

What time commitments are required?

Interns must attend a four-day orientation program and work a minimum of two, but preferably three full days per week, or meet their school's internship requirement.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the program, students must have completed one year of graduate studies and have an overall grade point average of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale).

Participants are selected based upon a review of interview results and application materials, which include undergraduate and graduate official transcripts, a résumé and cover letter, a writing sample (to evaluate writing skills), and two letters of recommendation -- one from an academic source and one from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting. Applicants are also subject to criminal background checks.

How does the application process start?

After securing permission to seek placement from their graduate program’s fieldwork office, applicants forward all requested materials to the Adult Probation Department’s Mental Health Unit, to the attention of a unit supervisor. Upon receipt of the application and accompanying documents, all materials are reviewed and prospective interns are contacted to schedule an interview to further discuss opportunities available and determine selection.

When are the application deadlines?

All applications should be submitted 12 weeks prior to the start of the semester, quarter, or summer term for which admission is sought.

What are the required documents?

1. OCJ Internship application
2. Résumé and cover letter
3. Official college transcripts
4. Writing sample (to evaluate writing skills)
5. Two letters of recommendation -- one from an academic source and one
   from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting.

For questions, contact:

If you are interested in applying for an internship, or if you would like more information regarding the program, please contact your university’s field placement coordinator or email apd.mhu@cookcountyil.gov 

What is a Social Service Department Internship?

The Social Service Department offers an internship for bachelor’s and/or master’s degree students interested in learning about working in the criminal justice system. The one or two semester-long program combines both classroom orientation and experiential opportunities for the student to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of the caseworker in the criminal justice system. Students will have opportunities to manage a small caseload, participate in court activity, network with other departments and agencies, and attend department meetings and trainings.

Classroom orientation provides an overview of departmental policy, procedures, criminal justice terminology and provides the foundation for students to manage a small caseload. Students are introduced to and learn how to navigate the department computer systems, complete thorough assessments, develop collaborative casework plans with clients, prepare court documents and train with professional staff.

There are also opportunities for students to work with administrative staff and learn how policy affects the casework staff and the department as a whole. Students who are required to be supervised by a licensed professional are accommodated by participation in clinical supervision.

What time commitments are required?

Interns are required to attend all six-day orientation sessions and commit to working a minimum of two full days per week, complete a minimum of 200 hours or meet their school’s internship requirements.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the internship program, undergraduate students must have completed two years of studies and have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 and a grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) in their major.

Graduate students must have a graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

All applicants must submit a current official undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcript, a cover letter, current résumé or vitae, and two letters of reference (one from an academic source and one from an employer or supervisor at a volunteer setting) and a current writing sample. All applicants are also subject to criminal background checks.

How does the application process start?

Students must contact our department Training Director and request an application packet. Upon receipt of the application and accompanying documents, all materials are reviewed and prospective interns are contacted to schedule an interview to further discuss opportunities available and determine selection.

What are the application deadlines?

All applications should be submitted 12 weeks prior to the start of the semester, quarter, or summer term for which admission is sought.

What are the required documents?

1. OCJ Internship application
2. Résumé and cover letter
3. Official college transcripts
4. Writing sample (to evaluate writing skills)
5. Two letters of recommendation -- one from an academic source
   and one from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting.

Contact and further questions:

If you are interested in applying for an internship, or if you would like more information regarding the internship program, please contact the Social Service Department’s Training Director at (773) 674-6025 or email at tammie.birmann@cookcountyil.gov 

What is a Juvenile Probation Department College Internship?

The Juvenile Probation Department offers an unpaid internship program for undergraduate and graduate (non-clinical) college students. Fields of study include criminal justice, public policy, industrial organizational psychology, sociology, political science, and education. Our Internship program is composed of three semesters: spring, summer, and fall. Each semester runs on average 12-15 weeks depending on the semester of enrollment. The program offers courtroom and case management experience, as well as research and advocacy opportunities. In addition, the students have an opportunity to shadow our Field Officers and learn about our different specialized units.  

The program provides students with an overview of department policies, procedures, and court processes. Depending on where the student is assigned to, the on-the-job training consists of working with an assigned field probation officer and their families to observe as well as perform job duties which could include interviewing probationers, scoring risks and needs assessments, conducting field visits, attending court hearings, preparing court documents, attending IEP meetings or working with probationers on Intensive Probation. All of the above-mentioned is done under the supervision of the probation officer.

What time commitments are required?

Interns must attend a one-day orientation program, and we require a minimum of two full days per week.  Work hours are from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., or 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the internship program, undergraduate students must be in their junior or senior year.

Participants are selected based upon a review of interview results and application materials, which include a completed application, a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or practicum director indicating that the student is in good academic standing and that the requested internship is part of an approved curriculum/course credit.  The student also needs to submit an updated resume and unofficial transcript.  Applicants are also subject to a criminal background check. 

How does the application process start?

After seeking guidance from the University or college Internship Coordinator, applicants forward all requested materials to the Juvenile Probation Department’s Internship Coordinator.  Upon receipt of the application and accompanying documents, all materials are reviewed and prospective interns are contacted to schedule an interview to further discuss opportunities available and determine selection.  

When are the application deadlines?

All applications should be submitted 8 weeks prior to the start of the semester.  The student can contact the Internship Coordinator directly to find out the deadline for a specific semester. 

What are the required documents?

• OCJ Internship/Externship Application
• A required letter of recommendation from a faculty member or practicum director indicating that the student is in good academic standing and that the requested internship is part of an approved curriculum/course credit. 
• An updated résumé
• A copy of the student's unofficial transcripts

For questions, contact:

If you are interested in applying for an internship, or if you would like more information regarding the program, you may contact:

Yvonne Pulido
Intern Coordinator
Cook County Juvenile Probation & Court Services Department
2245 West Ogden Ave., 8^th Floor
Chicago, IL 60612​
Phone: (312) 433-6636
Fax: (312) 433-7387
yvonne.pulido@cookcountyil.gov  

What Is a Public Guardian Office Internship?

The Office of the Cook County Public Guardian utilizes law clerks throughout the year in order to assist us in representing the best interests of our clients. 

The office is the only one in the United States that serves the interest of innocent children, as well as the elderly. The Public Guardian has three divisions: Juvenile, Adult Guardianship, and Domestic Relations. In the Juvenile Division the Public Guardian serves as the court-appointed attorney and GAL for children who are the subject of abuse, neglect or dependency petitions filed. In the Adult Guardianship Division the Public Guardian serves as guardian for approximately 650, mostly elderly, adults with cognitive disabilities who are unable to care for themselves. The Domestic Relations Division provides legal representation for children whose parents are involved in highly contested cases involving divorce, post decree, and parentage matters.   

The intern program at the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian is designed to provide students with practical experience. Law clerks work one-on-one under the supervision of experienced attorneys as they develop their lawyer skills and incorporate the values of our Divisions. Upon request, a law clerk could be placed in the Juvenile Division, Appeals Unit, Adult Guardianship Division or the Domestic Relations Division.

What Time Commitments Are Required?

An 8-10 week commitment is required of all interns. Summer interns must commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week, and non-summer interns a minimum of 16 hours per week.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

All law clerks must be enrolled in an accredited law school, possess the ability to communicate and work with attorneys and other professional staff, demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and show enthusiasm and assertiveness. Duties may include drafting motions and other court documents, legal research, case preparation, working with social workers and other professionals who work in the child welfare arena, and otherwise assisting attorneys and advocating for children or adults with disabilities. A law student who has received at least 1/2 of the total credit hours required for graduation may apply for a license pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 and appear in court representing clients under the supervision of an attorney and receive training to interview child clients.

How Does the Application Process Start?

Volunteers, grant recipients and students working for credit must submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample. Prospective candidates are contacted to schedule interviews. 

What Are the Application Deadlines? 

Deadlines for submitting applications for Adult Guardianship Internships are November 15^th for Spring, April 15^th for summer, and July 15^th for Fall.

The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Divisions welcome interns throughout the year. Interns are accepted on a rolling basis.

What Are the Required Documents?

1. Internship application
2. Resume and cover letter
3. Writing sample
4. Three professional references

Contacts for Further Questions:

Adult Guardianship Division: (312) 603-0800
Office of the Cook County Public Guardian
Attn: Legal Internship Coordinator
69 West Washington Street, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60602

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Divisions: (312) 433-4300
Office of the Cook County Public Guardian
Attn: Noel Sullivan
noel.sullivan@cookcountyil.gov 

The Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County welcomes law students from law schools nationwide who choose to complement their law school coursework with a judicial externship. Any law student who has completed their first year is eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated an interest in family law and strong legal research and writing capabilities.

Each extern will be assigned a Domestic Relations Division judge to work with during their externship. Under the direct supervision of their assigned judge, judicial externs are expected to conduct legal research, draft research memos, draft orders, provide basic procedural information to self-represented litigants, and complete other tasks as assigned to facilitate the efficient day-to-day administration of the judge’s courtroom. Externs will also have the chance to observe trials and other court proceedings. Additionally, the Domestic Relations Division hosts an orientation at the start of every semester, and all externs are paired with a division attorney mentor during the semester. Summer judicial externs are also able to observe other Divisions within the Circuit Court of Cook County through an exchange program. 

During the school year, externs are expected to commit at least 2 days per week for at least 12 hours per week. Summer judicial externships are a full-time, 40-hour/week commitment for a minimum of 8 weeks. Judicial externships with the Domestic Relations Division are unpaid; however, externs are encouraged to seek class credit or outside funding (e.g., from their law school). Note that judicial externs are prohibited from working at a law firm during their externship. 

To apply, please send your resume, transcript, and a writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages) to Senior Division Attorney McKenna Deutsch at mckenna.deutsch@cookcountyil.gov to be considered for a judicial externship. Please be advised that if you are offered a position, you will be asked to complete additional application materials and to submit to a background check and drug test.  

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Presiding Judge’s staff at (312) 603-3025.  

Every January, the Domestic Relations Division invites a group of first-year law students to observe remote court proceedings, network with Judges, gain a better understanding of the Division, and help determine whether they are interested in externing in the Division. The Winter Immersion program typically occurs during the second week in January before classes resume. Each day of the program, students observe two judges, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, as they go through their dockets. Each judge also devotes time to speak with students and answer any questions. There is a lunch break in between the morning and afternoon sessions. 

Each interested student must submit a completed Winter Immersion Program Application and résumé by the first week in December to Senior Division Attorney McKenna Deutsch at mckenna.deutsch@cookcountyil.gov. 

Each admitted student will receive an email notifying them of their acceptance. Once the schedule is finalized, each admitted student will then receive the Winter Immersion Program schedule. Outside of being a first-year law student, there are no prerequisites or requirements for an applicant.

The Juvenile Temporary Detention Center welcomes volunteers and internships. For information about volunteering or internship programs at JTDC, please contact JTDC’s Director of Volunteer Services:

Tynetta Towner-Brown, M.S.
Director of Volunteer/Gender Services, Programs and Professional Services
Phone: (312) 433-5775
Fax: (312) 433-5968
tynetta.towner-brown@cookcountyil.gov

Location Info: Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center