About the role#
The Child Protection Division at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office works to find safe and supportive family structures for youth. Interns work directly with Assistant State’s Attorneys on cases involving the abuse, neglect, or dependency of children. This is a volunteer position for law students interested in child protection and juvenile justice.
What you'll do#
- Conduct legal research and prepare memos.
- Review discovery documents and assist with trial preparation.
- Partner with counsel on case management and procedural tasks.
- Observe court proceedings.
- Participate in court hearings if you are licensed under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711.
What you'll need#
- You must be an active law student in good standing.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.
- You cannot be on academic probation.
- Coursework in Family Law, Juvenile Law, Child Protection, Children’s Law, Domestic Violence, or Interviewing and Counseling is preferred.
- Students currently enrolled in law clinics are not eligible due to conflict of interest policies.
Location & details#
- This role is located in Chicago, Illinois, at the Juvenile Court Building.
- The internship runs from January 11 to May 21, 2027.
- Work is on-site only. You must be available for an average of 15 hours per week.
- This is an unpaid volunteer position.
About Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
The Cook County State's Attorney's Office prosecutes misdemeanor and felony crimes within Cook County. It serves as legal counsel for the county government and its employees. The office manages both plaintiff and defense litigation across various legal areas. With over 700 attorneys, it functions as the second-largest prosecutor's office in the nation. The agency operates out of Chicago.
How to get in at Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
Applying early to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office is a distinct advantage because the program is highly competitive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and get seen before the pile grows. This helps you stay ahead of the volume of applicants for these legal roles. You can also improve your odds by reaching out to the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates compared to sending an application into a queue.
