Civil Rights Law Clerk (Fall 2026/Spring 2027)

About the Role

Law Clerks and interns assist in several projects that highlight distinct civil rights issues, ranging from citizenship delays to securing the rights of Muslims to practice their religion freely in the public sphere, schools, places of employment, prisons, and other institutions. Law Clerks will work closely with the Civil Rights Director, Litigation Director, and/or Staff Attorney on resolving cases of discrimination reported to CAIR-Chicago.

This position is unpaid; however, fellowships through partner organizations, such as the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) fellowship for recent law school graduates studying for the state bar exam, are available. The PILI Graduate Fellowship is paid.

Responsibilities

• Assist in documenting incidents of religious discrimination by counseling and interviewing complainants regarding their incidents.
• Research laws and policies on employment, student conduct, immigration procedures, criminal offenses, and other relevant areas.
• Assist in maintaining the Civil Rights Online Center.
• Update databases containing information about abuses reported to CAIR-Chicago.
• For those proficient in languages commonly spoken by Muslim communities (Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Spanish), assist in translating for complainants and translating documents.
• Produce legal writings, including drafting arguments, memoranda, complaints, and discovery materials.
• Assist in representing complainants in dispute resolution, EEOC mediation, and in the preparation and filing of complaints and lawsuits.
• Those who are qualified and have obtained an Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 License may also represent individual complainants in court proceedings under attorney supervision.

Core Specialties

• Intake Processing
• Legal & Policy Research
• Administrative Assistance

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a J.D. or L.L.M. program, or have completed one of these programs.
• An original writing sample (maximum 15 pages) meeting legal writing standards; any legal topic may be addressed, including those related to CAIR-Chicago’s scope on civil rights and advocacy.
• Organized and able to manage multiple ongoing and newly assigned tasks.
• Excellent written communication skills and a commitment to serving the community.

Schedule

• Summer session: 20 hours per week.
• Fall and Spring semesters: 15 hours per week.