Prairie State Legal Services is the civil legal services provider in 36 counties in northern and central Illinois. In almost all of those counties, Prairie State is the only source of civil legal aid for low-income, elderly and disabled residents. Prairie State provides excellent opportunities for Fellows to perform meaningful work and gain valuable experience by assisting clients who need legal help to address basic needs issues. Prairie State has 12 local offices, all of which are possible locations for a Fellowship.

PSLS represents clients in a variety of substantive areas of law including housing, disabilities, utilities, public benefits, health, consumer, family, and domestic violence. PSLS also has a tax clinic through which it provides advice and representation to low income individuals in tax controversies. Opportunities are available for potential Fellows interested in Prairie State’s general work as well as for potential Fellows interested in concentrating their work with the tax clinic. Attorneys represent clients before administrative agencies, and at the trial and appellate levels in both state and federal court. Prairie State staff members are actively involved in the communities they serve and work closely with social service providers and others to address issues facing low-income, elderly and disabled persons. The program values creative and collaborative approaches to solving problems. Community education is an important component of the program’s work, as one way to maximize the program’s impact in a large geographic area.

This agency is approved to host Graduate Fellows.