The Shriver Center on Poverty Law fights for economic and racial justice. Over the past 50 years, we have secured hundreds of law and policy victories with and for people experiencing economic instability in Illinois and across the country.

Everything we do is powered by communities most affected by poverty. We litigate, shape local policy, and train and convene multi-state networks of lawyers, community leaders, and activists to advance opportunity for all—not just the few.

Our country is rife with laws and policies that systematically disadvantage certain groups while advantaging others based on their race, gender, and other facets of their identities. We believe laws and policies—and the institutions that apply them—should be designed to support people. Together, we’re turning this ideal into reality.

We are building a future where all people, families, and future generations have equal dignity, respect, and power under the law. Join the fight at povertylaw.org.

PILI Interns and Fellows will primarily conduct research and writing, including public policy work, in support of the Shriver Center’s mission to reduce poverty. Interns and Fellows will be invited to participate with advocates with work in the field, as schedules and time permit. To better understand the development of public policy, PILI Interns & Fellows also participate in behind-the-scenes meetings with advocacy staff, coalition partners, and decision-makers.

In addition to your cover letter and resume, please send a legal writing sample to both hr@povertylaw.org. The Shriver Center may also request unofficial transcripts (or class schedule for first term 1L students) and a list of references, and will contact you directly for these materials if needed.

At the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, we know that a richly diverse mix of professionals makes organizations more effective. As such, we make demographic and experiential diversity a hallmark and priority of all our work.

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