Legal Advocacy Internship

Job Description

About Company

A Safe Place is an organization dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence. Their mission is to support survivors in finding their voice in court and their strength beyond it, providing a frontline seat in the fight for justice. They operate a Legal Advocacy Program that is mission-driven and survivor-centered, focusing on systemic advocacy and holistic survivor care in Lake County, Illinois.

Job Description, Detailed

Job Title: Legal Advocacy Internship

Overall Purpose:
This internship offers aspiring legal professionals frontline experience in domestic violence law, survivor advocacy, and the real-world impact of trauma-informed legal services. It provides an immersive experience within A Safe Place’s Legal Advocacy Program, which supports survivors through crucial legal and safety processes. The internship aims to teach how advocacy and justice intersect in a survivor-centered legal environment.

Key Responsibilities (What You’ll Do):

• Client Support: Support legal advocates during client intakes, including preparing documentation for Orders of Protection and safety planning.
• Court Observation: Shadow court appearances, learn courtroom procedures, and observe advocacy in action.
• Resource Development: Help develop legal resource guides and support materials for survivors.
• Record Management: Assist in maintaining confidential case files and digital records in compliance with agency protocols.
• Public Education & Training: Participate in public education events, police trainings, or law enforcement briefings.
• Inter-team Coordination: Observe coordination between legal, crisis, and housing teams to understand holistic survivor care.
• Research: Research domestic violence policy updates, county-level procedures, and survivor protections under Illinois law.

Compensation & Schedule:

• Compensation: This is an unpaid internship.
• Course Credit: Course credit is available if approved by your educational institution.
• Schedule: Flexible, with a minimum commitment of 10–15 hours per week.
• Availability: May include occasional evenings or weekend events.

Requirements:

• Education: Currently pursuing a degree in Pre-Law, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or a related field.
• Passion: Passionate about justice, survivor safety, and systems-level change.
• Soft Skills: Strong emotional intelligence and sensitivity to trauma.
• Work Ethic: Organized, proactive, and ready to contribute in fast-paced environments.
• Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required.
• Collaboration: Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, and digital documentation tools.
• Communication: Strong communicator with a heart for social justice and survivor-centered care.
• Ethics: Able to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.
• Logistics: Reliable transportation and flexibility to attend events or court sessions during the day.

What You’ll Gain:

• Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of how legal advocacy supports survivors of domestic violence.
• Shadowing Opportunities: Shadowing opportunities with legal advocates, prosecutors, and court personnel.
• Practical Experience: Experience supporting survivors through high-stakes legal transitions.
• Specialized Training: Training in trauma-informed practices, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Orders of Protection, and court protocols.
• Impact: The opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone’s pursuit of safety and justice.
• Resume Building: A resume-building, meaningful experience in survivor advocacy, public interest law, or court-based support.
• Assessment Training: Training in the Illinois Model for Comprehensive Assessment of Needs and Strengths (IM+CANS).
• Certification Opportunity: 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certification Training (provided at a discounted rate).

Mandatory Training:

• Completion of the 40-hour Domestic Violence & Crisis Intervention Training is a requirement for all interns.
• This training is provided by A Safe Place at a discounted cost of $150.
• Payment instructions and training dates will be shared upon acceptance into the program.

Application Instructions:

• Required Materials:
• Your resume.
• A brief letter of interest outlining your availability and why this opportunity resonates with your goals.
• One (1) letter of recommendation from a faculty member or professional reference (no family members or personal friends).
• Application Deadline: September 5, 2025.
• Interviews: Rolling interviews – early application is encouraged.
• Internship Duration: Mid-September to Mid-December 2025 (flexible start/end dates; ideal for summer internships).