Minimum Qualifications

• Must: (1) be currently enrolled in an accredited law school, or (2) be a graduate of an accredited law school, but not yet licensed as an Illinois attorney.

• Must be able to volunteer for a minimum of four (4) weeks.

• Must be able to volunteer for a minimum of twelve (12) hours per week, during standard business hours (Monday through Friday/ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Current eligibility for S. Ct. Rule 711 License.
• Familiarity with various computer programs i.e., Microsoft Office, Power Point, Excel, etc. relevant to the law Office of the Public Defender.
• Ability to communicate and interact with culturally diverse clients.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• Sound interviewing and interpersonal skills; and

• Strong bilingual verbal and written communication skills (Spanish, Polish, etc.).

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties that may be performed by a volunteer.

Application Materials

Law Student Volunteer applicants must upload the following attachments to be considered:

1.  A current resume and one of the following:

a.       Proof of current enrollment at an accredited law school*; or

b.      Evidence of intent to sit for the Illinois Bar Exam within the next 6 months.

 *Proof of current enrollment may include a letter of good standing or the most recent law school transcript that lists the courses taken in the current semester (e.g., if applying for the summer volunteer program, an applicant’s most recent transcript should include their spring semester courses).  The letter of good standing or most recent transcript must be obtained through your academic institution's registrar's office, academic institution’s online portal or intranet or through your academic institution's credential service.

Please Note:

2.  The transcript or letter of good standing must indicate proof of current enrollment in an accredited law school.

3.  Please make sure that all required documents (a current resume and either the most recent academic transcript available or letter of good standing or evidence of intent to sit for the Illinois Bar Exam) are uploaded with your current application.

4.  All applicants are required to submit the required documentation even if an applicant has previously applied as a Law Student Volunteer.

5.  Documents loaded for any previous applications will not be considered.

6.  Please upload new documents with any new application.

7.  Failure to upload all required documents prior to the closing date will result in disqualification from further consideration.

 If a volunteer wants to be hired later for a paid position, they must apply through the Cook County on-line hiring process to be considered.

Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article 11, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty, 44-56 Political Discrimination; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre­ Interview License and Certification Verification; Supplemental Policy No. 2014- 2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (8) (18).

COOK COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER