Since its inception in 1997, the Law Project of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is the only legal organization in Illinois solely dedicated to providing legal representation and advocacy to homeless or at-risk individuals, youth and families. Our team of six attorneys and intake specialist provide assistance in the areas of education, civil rights, access to health care and public benefits and other civil legal services. Our Youth Futures Mobile Legal Clinic provides representation to unaccompanied homeless youth in Chicago through targeted outreach at schools, shelters, drop-in centers and other community venues.

PILI Interns & Fellows work under the supervision of attorney Patricia Nix-Hodes, Director of the Law Project of CCH. They are expected to carry a manageable work load which includes some of the following (depending in part, on the expressed interests of the PILI Intern or Fellow): research and writing of memos on legal issues, assisting attorneys with intakes and individual cases, community outreach, advocacy with state and local agencies related to public benefits, housing, and education, and assistance with preparation for and appearances at hearings where appropriate.

Supervision would include regular interaction with the supervisor, review of all written work, observation and feedback on non-written work, direction regarding any tasks not previously learned or performed, and two periodic evaluations.

All applicants should submit a detailed cover letter explaining why he or she is interested in serving the legal needs of people experiencing homelessness. Also, CCH is interested in any personal experience of the candidate with poverty or injustice.

This agency is approved to host a Law Student Intern during the summer. They are also approved to host Graduate Fellows.