Looking to secure a legal aid, public interest law or government position during or after law school? This complimentary program is for law students who are interested in learning more about opportunities as volunteers, interns, externs, fellows or staff in the public interest law sector.
Advance registration for this program is required by October 13th. You can register using the form below.
AGENDA
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Registration & Continental Breakfast
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Welcome and Overview
10:50 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Concurrent Sessions:
The Basics: What You Need to Know to Get Started
What is involved in pursuing a career in public interest law? A panel of experienced professionals will go over opportunities in public interest law, ways to connect with the community, and what you need to know when applying for internships, externships, and fellowships.
- Debi Martin, Supervising Attorney, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
- Victoria Bell, Senior Staff Attorney, Life Span
- Ruben Bautista, Assistant Attorney General, Illinois Attorney General’s Office
- Anna Patton, Equal Justice Works Fellowship Attorney, Equip for Equality
Next Steps: Preparing for Post-Graduate Opportunities
Learn how to stand out as an intern, extern, and fellow and strengthen your post-graduate applications from panelists across the public interest law community. You’ll hear how to make an effective resume and cover letter, to prepare for an interview, and to get the most from the experience.
- Leeja Patel, Equal Justice Works Coordinator for the Midwest
- Barbara Bertini, Director of Pro Bono and Community Partnerships, Legal Aid Chicago
- Patricia Cintron Bastin, Supervising Attorney, CARPLS
- Kimberly Mills, Public Defender, Office of the Cook County Public Defender
12:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Lunch & Hot Topic Program
Now is an intense moment for attorneys and advocates of marginalized communities in the United States. Hear about how the issues these groups are facing intersect and how public interest law in working to address these problems to build a better tomorrow.
- Kevin Fee, Legal Director, ACLU of Illinois
- Nadia Wood, Staff Attorney, Illinois Prison Project
- Aura Bogado, Senior Reporter, Injustice Watch
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
Plotting Your Government Career Path
Get advice from hiring representatives in government offices about what they look for in candidates and what steps you can take now to position yourself for a successful career in government.
Addressing the Justice Gap through Public Interest Law
There is a huge gap between the legal needs of low-income people and the capacity of legal services to meet those needs. Learn about the work you can do as an attorney to expand access to justice and serve communities in need.
- Daniel Schneider, Of Counsel, Legal Action Chicago
- Terra Gross, Legal Content Manager, Illinois Legal Aid Online
- Samuel Paler-Ponce, Associate Director of City Policy, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Alex Schumacher by email or by phone at 312-832-5130.
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