The Legal Aid Society’s Internship Program allows law students to make equal access to justice a reality.
Interns help expand LAS’ capacity to provide legal services to clients in need.
LAS’ four main practice groups each hire interns, externs, and/or legal fellows. Student and recent graduate positions are generally based in the downtown Chicago office, but some are based in Wheaton or Decatur, Illinois. LAS’ offices operate in a hybrid model, with in-person and remote opportunities. Some positions require Spanish-language skills and/or a 711 student attorney license.
LAS pairs each law student with a staff attorney supervisor. Interns have the opportunity to:
- Interview clients;
- Prepare pleadings, motions, and discovery requests/responses;
- Conduct legal research;
- Present cases at case acceptance meetings;
- Observe court hearings;
- Argue motions in court (711 license required).
Opportunities
LAS hires interns three times per year: fall semester, spring semester, and summer. Fall and Spring positions are part-time for the duration of the academic semester. Summer positions are full-time and typically begin at the end of May, continuing through late July or early August.
Spring 2026 Internship Positions are now available:
Elder & Disability Justice Initiative
Safe Families Program
IRSJ Chicago
General Counsel
Applications are accepted and hiring is done on a rolling basis. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to LASInterns@metrofamily.org. Please include which practice group you are applying to in the subject line of your email.
Funding
The Legal Aid Society provides a very limited number of paid internships. We also welcome students and recent graduates with outside funding, federal work-study grants, or those seeking academic credits. Some funding sources to consider: