Illinois Legal Aid Online - Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) (2024)

Not everyone is equal in the eyes of our legal system. Race, culture, language, education, location, disability, and income are enormous barriers to using the law to get justice. Even though legal aid lawyers can help people overcome these barriers, they are only able to meet a small part of the need.

For more than 20 years, Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) has simplified the law so that people can seek justice and resolve their problems. Through innovation, we make the law understandable and accessible. We believe that, when empowered with knowledge and clear direction, people can be their own best advocates. We give people 24/7 tools in three languages and plain-language, so families can understand and assert their legal rights. ILAO helps people, who are unable to find or afford attorneys, overcome the barriers that keep them from getting justice.

PILI Interns and Fellows at ILAO have the opportunity to learn about civil legal aid and to deeply explore myriad legal issues most affecting lower-income people and families while also making an impact on the lives of thousands of people in need. Interns and Fellows receive training on writing for a pro se audience and exposure to tech tools that serve as a scalable alternative for delivering legal help to people who cannot find or afford an attorney. Interns and Fellows assist in the development and maintenance of ILAO’s empowerment tools including guides, how-tos, legal forms, videos, timelines, and more.

Major Responsibilities:

• Drafting, researching and editing legal education materials and legal forms with instructions for the public,
• Developing an independent project in their area of interest,
• Preparing and assisting with the production of multimedia education tools,
• Assisting with document assembly form interviews, and
• Editing, organizing and publishing content submitted by attorney experts and editors throughout the State of Illinois.

Qualifications:

• Excellent research and writing skills,
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail,
• Ability to manage projects and meet deadlines,
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills,
• Enthusiasm for the use of technology in the delivery of legal service,
• Works well on a team and willing to pitch in however needed to accomplish the goals of the organization,
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in using the Internet and Google Workspace, and
• Demonstrated commitment to Illinois Legal Aid Online’s mission and goals.
• This agency is approved to host a Law Student Intern during the summer. They are also approved to host Graduate Fellows.

Because our services and products – like the law – are for everyone, we believe in including everyone. We strongly and enthusiastically encourage people of color, individuals who identify within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, women, and people with disabilities to apply.

ILAO is fully remote, with periodic, in-person meetings. We welcome applications from across the U.S.