Impact for Equity is a Chicago-based nonprofit law and policy center that seeks to advance racial equity and social justice through advocacy. We use a variety of strategies to achieve our mission, including legal and policy research, advocacy, organizing, legislation, and litigation. Most of our work is carried out in close collaboration with community-based organizations and other policy and advocacy groups. Our current efforts focus in two program areas: Criminal Legal System/Police Accountability and Housing. For more information about our mission, program areas, and active work, please visit our website www.bpichicago.org.

Job Description:

PILI Law Student Interns and Graduate Fellows will work individually and in collaboration within one of our two program areas, assisting Impact for Equity legal and policy staff to advance program priorities. Students who complete an internship or fellowship at Impact for Equity will gain invaluable experience in the field of civil rights and exposure to the exciting work of a non-profit legal organization. In addition to providing challenging work, Impact for Equity makes work enjoyable by organizing summer social outings. Duties can include:

• Researching legal and policy issues;
• Writing memoranda, briefs, and policy papers;
• Developing legal or policy strategies; and
• Participating in meetings with BPI staff and with coalition partners, community members and government stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Law students are invited to apply to be a PILI Law Student Intern or Graduate Fellow at Impact for Equity. At a minimum, all applicants should possess:

• A demonstrated commitment to civil rights and social justice;
• Strong research, analysis, and writing abilities;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and in partnership with community stakeholders;
• Self-motivation and comfort with handling multiple projects or assignments at a time; and
• An ability to commute to Impact for Equity’s downtown office as needed.

Application Requirements:

Impact for Equity requires submission of a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample. Please indicate in your cover letter which program area you are interested in and why. In addition, Impact for Equity may request unofficial transcripts (or class schedule) and list of references from applicants later in the application process.

Impact for Equity is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, immigrants, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, people with lived experience of poverty, and people from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

Reasonable accommodation will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

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