Law Clerk
Prairie State Legal Services is a non-profit law firm that provides civil legal services at no fee to low-income, elderly, and vulnerable people in 36 counties in northern and central Illinois outside of 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 the majority of our area, and we pride ourselves on providing high-quality legal services to our clients while fostering a work environment that is motivating, collaborative, and rewarding, 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
- Participate in client interviews and fact gathering
- Maintain contact with existing PSLS clients
- Work with PSLS attorneys and staff in a collaborative environment providing high quality legal services to clients
- Attend court hearings and other administrative hearings
- Participate in direct examination of clients and witnesses, as opportunities permit.
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
The Organization
Employees of PSLS benefit from the expertise and community connections of their local office staff, along with robust program-wide resources. We strive to provide an array of services responsive to the needs of our clients. PSLS has excellent fiscal controls and upholds the highest rating from Charity Navigator and Guidestar. For more information regarding PSLS services and operations, please visit our website at https://pslegal.org.
- 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
We welcome information about how your experience can contribute to servicing our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goal of equal justice for all.
Please indicate “Law Clerk Ottawa” in the subject line and email a letter explaining your interest and experience, resume, and three Job-related references to careers@pslegal.org.
Prairie State Legal Services is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity, expression or presentation, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.