The Office of the State Appellate Defender offers full-time, 10-week summer internships and part-time, 12-week spring and fall internships. Interns may work in-person, remotely, or on a hybrid schedule based on the district's needs and intern availability. Springfield and Ottawa accept in-person/hybrid applicants.

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, and 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, as well as the ability to understand factual and legal issues and present them clearly and concisely. Preference is given to applicants with a demonstrated interest in public service and coursework in legal writing, criminal law, evidence, and appellate advocacy. The internships are unpaid; we can provide school credit if the university permits.

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

Summer:  January 31, 2026
Fall:  July 31, 2025 (Chicago, Elgin, Ottawa, and Mt. Vernon offices only)
Spring:  November 30, 2025 (Chicago, Elgin, Ottawa, and Mt. Vernon offices only)

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:

Chicago:  1stdistrict.internprogram@osad.state.il.us
Elgin:  2ndDistrict@osad.state.il.us
Ottawa:  3rdDistrict@osad.state.il.us
Springfield:  4thDistrict@osad.state.il.us
Mt. Vernon:  5thDistrict@osad.state.il.us

The Office of the State Appellate Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion.