The Office of the State Appellate Defender offers full-time, ten-week summer internships in the Chicago office and participating offices, as well as part-time, twelve-week spring and fall internships in the Chicago office. Interns will work on criminal appeals with experienced attorneys writing opening briefs, reply briefs, and petitions for rehearing that will be filed in the Illinois Appellate Court, as well as petitions for leave to appeal that will be filed in the Illinois Supreme Court. Interns will also likely assist attorneys in preparing for oral arguments, and may occasionally be asked to complete legal research assignments.  

Applicants must be current law students and possess excellent legal research, writing, editing, and oral communication skills, and the ability to understand and present factual and legal issues clearly and concisely. Preference is given to applicants with demonstrated interest in public service, as well as course work in legal writing, criminal law, evidence, and appellate advocacy. The Office of the State Appellate Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Applications for the summer, fall, and spring programs will be accepted until the following dates, or until all positions are filled:

Summer: January 31
Fall:  July 31
Spring:  November 31

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample in PDF format (preferably as one file, with the file name beginning with your name, e.g., “Jane Doe Application” or “Jane Doe Resume,” “Jane Doe Writing Sample”, etc.”) to 1stdistrict.internprogram@osad.state.il.us.