Prairie State Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that provides civil legal services at no fee to all low-income, elderly, and vulnerable people in 36 counties in northern and central Illinois outside of Cook County.  Our clients are of all ages and ethnicities.  PSLS provides excellent opportunities for law students and graduates to perform meaningful work and gain valuable experience by assisting clients who need legal help to address their basic human needs. This summer Internship position is available in our Peoria office, which serves clients in Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell.

PSLS represents clients a broad range of substantive legal areas, including housing, landlord-tenant, foreclosure defense, disabilities, utilities, public benefits, health, consumer, family, and domestic violence.

PSLS also operates a dedicated tax clinic, offering legal advice and representation to low-income individuals in tax controversies. Opportunities are available for those interested in PSLS general work as well as for potential Interns seeking to focus specifically on tax-related matters through the tax clinic.

Attorneys at PSLS represent clients before administrative agencies and in both trial and appellate courts at the state and federal levels. PSLS staff are deeply engaged in the communities they serve, collaborating with social service providers and other partners to address challenges faced by low-income, elderly, and vulnerable populations.  The program values creative, collaborative problem-solving and emphasizes community education as a key strategy for increasing impact across its large service area.

PSLS works hard to ensure that law students are assigned substantive work and have the opportunity for client contact.

Responsibilities:

• Gathering evidence
• Interviewing clients and witnesses
• Performing legal research
• As the student’s skills permit, engaging in negotiations and advocating for clients before administrative agencies
• Students who are eligible for a 711 license may appear in court on behalf of clients

This agency is approved to host a Law Student Intern during the summer in Peoria office as well as Bloomington, Moline and West Suburban.

They are also approved to host Graduate Fellows.