Law Clerk

Prairie State Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that provides civil legal services at no or low cost to low-income, elderly, and vulnerable people in 36 counties in northern and central Illinois outside Cook County. In almost all of those counties, PSLS is the only source of civil legal aid for low-income, elderly, and vulnerable people. PSLS is the only legal aid organization in most of our area, and we pride ourselves on providing high-quality legal services to our clients while fostering a motivating, collaborative, and rewarding work environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.

PSLS provides excellent opportunities for law clerks to perform meaningful work and gain valuable experience by assisting clients who need legal help to address their basic human needs. Under the supervision of an attorney, PSLS Law Clerks prepare legal memoranda, conduct legal research, perform other litigation and advocacy-related legal assignments, and conduct client interviews.

As a PSLS Law Clerk, you will have the opportunity to work in multiple practice areas and experience a variety of practice areas. You will also have access to mentoring and in-house training.

Responsibilities
Among other duties as assigned, the Law Clerk will:

• Perform legal and case-preparation research
• Draft motions
• Attend court hearings and other administrative hearings
• Participate in client interviews and fact-gathering
• Work with PSLS attorneys and staff in a collaborative environment, providing high-quality legal services to clients
• Exhibit a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the position and the PSLS mission

Salary and Benefits The Law Clerk position is a part-time position of approximately 15-20 hours per week. PSLS offers a salary that is competitive with similar organizations. The pay for this position is $16.25 per hour. The starting salary for the successful candidate will be determined based on prior relevant experience. PSLS is committed to providing an excellent, comprehensive benefits package to its part-time employees that includes:

• Training and education programs
• 12 paid holidays

Qualifications:

• Current law student or recent law school graduate
• Understanding of and a commitment to PSLS mission
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of low-income/vulnerable clients
• Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences preferred
• Strong oral/written communication

PSLS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to create a welcoming environment. We recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or other characteristics protected by law.