Weekend Court Observer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description

Step into the courtroom and stand beside survivors seeking justice. The Legal Advocacy Internship at A Safe Place provides aspiring legal professionals with frontline experience in domestic violence law, survivor advocacy, and the real-world impact of trauma-informed legal services.

This internship immerses students in the Legal Advocacy Program, which supports survivors through:

• Courtroom accompaniment
• Order of Protection filings
• Crisis safety planning
• Systemic advocacy with prosecutors, law enforcement, and community partners

You will learn how advocacy and justice intersect in one of the most mission-driven and survivor-centered legal programs in Lake County.

What You'll Do:

• Support legal advocates during client intakes, preparing documentation for Orders of Protection and safety planning
• Shadow court appearances, learn courtroom procedures, and observe advocacy in action
• Help develop legal resource guides and support materials for survivors
• Assist in maintaining 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 for holistic survivor care
• Research domestic violence policy updates, county-level procedures, and survivor protections under Illinois law

Compensation & Schedule: This internship is unpaid; course credit is available if approved by your institution. The schedule is flexible, with a minimum of 10-15 hours per week, including occasional evenings or weekend events.

Requirements

• Pursuing a degree in Pre-Law, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or a related field
• Passionate about justice, survivor safety, and systems-level change
• Strong emotional intelligence and sensitivity to trauma
• Organized, proactive, and ready to contribute in fast-paced environments
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, and digital documentation tools
• Strong communicator with a heart for social justice and survivor-centered care
• Able to maintain 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
• Experience supporting survivors through high-stakes legal transitions
• Training in trauma-informed practices, 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 resume-building, meaningful 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)
• 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certification Training (Provided at a discounted rate)

Please note: 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:

Please submit the following materials to be considered for this internship:

• Your resume
• A brief letter of interest outlining your availability and why this opportunity resonates with your goals
• One (1) letter of recommendation
  

Letter of Recommendation

The letter should come from a faculty member or professional reference who can speak to your character, work ethic, or readiness for an internship experience. Letters from family members or personal friends will not be accepted.

Rolling Interviews-Apply Early!
Flexible start/end dates

At A Safe Place, we help survivors find their voice in court-and their strength beyond it.
This is more than an internship-it's a frontline seat in the fight for justice.