Legal Advocacy Internship

Job Description

About Company

A Safe Place is an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence. It offers a mission-driven, survivor-centered legal advocacy program in Lake County, Illinois, which provides frontline experience in domestic violence law, survivor advocacy, and trauma-informed legal services. The organization’s core mission is to help survivors find their voice in court and their strength beyond it, acting as a frontline participant in the fight for justice.

Job Description (Detailed)

This is a Legal Advocacy Internship designed for aspiring legal professionals to gain real-world experience in domestic violence law and survivor support.

• Role Overview: The internship offers a deep immersion into the Legal Advocacy Program at A Safe Place. Interns will work directly with legal advocates to support survivors through high-stakes legal transitions, focusing on trauma-informed legal services and systemic advocacy.
• Key Responsibilities (“What You’ll Do”):
• Support legal advocates during client intakes, including preparing documentation for Orders of Protection and safety planning.
• Shadow court appearances to learn courtroom procedures and observe advocacy in action.
• Assist in developing legal resource guides and support materials for survivors.
• Help maintain confidential case files and digital records in compliance with agency protocols.
• Participate in public education events, police trainings, or law enforcement briefings.
• Observe coordination between legal, crisis, and housing teams to understand holistic survivor care.
• Research domestic violence policy updates, county-level procedures, and survivor protections under Illinois law.
• Compensation & Schedule:
• This is an unpaid internship.
• Course credit is available, subject to approval by the intern’s academic institution.
• The schedule is flexible, requiring a minimum commitment of 10–15 hours per week.
• Occasional evenings or weekend events may be required.
• Requirements:
• Must be currently pursuing a degree in Pre-Law, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or a related field.
• Demonstrated passion for justice, survivor safety, and systems-level change.
• Strong emotional intelligence and sensitivity to trauma.
• Organized, proactive, and capable of contributing effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred but not required.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, and digital documentation tools.
• Strong communication skills with a focus on social justice and survivor-centered care.
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.
• Reliable transportation and flexibility to attend events or court sessions during the day.
• What You’ll Gain:
• In-depth knowledge of how legal advocacy supports survivors of domestic violence.
• Shadowing opportunities with legal advocates, prosecutors, and court personnel.
• Practical experience supporting survivors through high-stakes legal transitions.
• Comprehensive training in trauma-informed practices, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Orders of Protection, and court protocols.
• The opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone’s pursuit of safety and justice.
• A valuable, resume-building experience in survivor advocacy, public interest law, or court-based support.
• Training in the Illinois Model for Comprehensive Assessment of Needs and Strengths (IM+CANS).
• Access to the required 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certification Training at a discounted cost of $150 (payment instructions and dates provided upon acceptance).
• Application Instructions:
• Applicants must submit:
1. A resume.
2. A brief letter of interest outlining availability and how this opportunity aligns with their goals.
3. One (1) letter of recommendation from a faculty member or professional reference (letters from family members or personal friends are not accepted).
• Application Deadline: September 5, 2025.
• Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.
• Internship Duration: Mid-September to Mid-December 2025, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate academic schedules (ideal for summer internships).