Post-Gradate Law Fellowship

Life Span is seeking post-graduate law fellows based at either our Chicago or Des Plaines offices. Life Span empowers survivors of domestic and sexual violence to demand safety as a human right through client-centered services and leads social change through accountability, community engagement, and systemic advocacy.
Life Span is a nationally known leader in the provision of services to victims of violence and their children. We are a financially secure organization with over 40 years of consistent and reliable funding. Our comprehensive services include criminal court advocacy, representation in civil protective order cases, expert representation in family law cases, immigration services and counseling for survivors and their children. Our work encompasses such issues as police domestic violence, immigration, employment issues, sexual assault civil no contact orders, the effects of trauma on clients and their children, teen dating violence, and the criminalization of survivors. Our agency has two sites, and services are available in nine languages including English, Spanish, Polish and Arabic. All services are free of charge. Our agency provides national leadership in policy work and systemic advocacy, and our staff has trained advocates, lawyers, judges, counselors and other professionals in Illinois and across the country on critical issues and innovative practices.
Life Span values diversity—in strengths, backgrounds and lived experiences. It is essential that our staff and leadership reflect the communities that we serve. We are committed to creating an anti-oppression framework and seek candidates who share this commitment.

Fellowships:
Life Span sponsors law students for fellowships funded by the Skadden Fellowship Foundation, Equal Justice Works, and other fellowship programs (including those funded directly by law schools). Fellows work closely with our attorneys and legal advocates. Fellows will carry their own caseloads and gain valuable experience in providing legal assistance. Fellows will also have the opportunity to work on policy and systemic advocacy.

Job Duties:
The Fellow will gain invaluable hands-on legal experience by working on complex and diverse projects with Law Department attorneys. Will participate in client intake, negotiations and client advising meetings, and conduct research and analysis to draft pleadings.

Qualifications:

• Law school graduate
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or other forms of trauma is preferred
• Demonstrated interest in public interest law
• Spanish or other language skill at the bilingual level is a plus for this position.

Interested applicants are encouraged to consult with us if they have an idea for a fellowship proposal. Please reach out to Amy Fox, Life Span’s Executive Director at afox@life-span.org