Paralegal Intern

Title:

Paralegal Intern

Status:

Full-time 

Reports to:

Director of Holistic Legal Services

Salary:

Unpaid Internship

Hire Date:

LCLC will close the posting as soon as we find an exceptional candidate

Who We Are 

Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC) specializes in providing a unique form of holistic community- based criminal defense representation grounded in restorative justice principles to minors and emerging adults (24 and under) from North Lawndale. This highly relational and innovative model is performed by an interdisciplinary team of attorneys, case managers, outreach workers, and strategic community partners that provide developmentally appropriate supports for minors and emerging adults. The team identifies and meets the various needs of our youth at every phase of the criminal justice system: from diversion, arrest, through trial, and the completion of any period of probation, supervision, or parole, and beyond. By serving justice-involved minors and emerging adults holistically in their community, LCLC is leading the transformation of the traditional criminal justice system and establishing new best practices in community-based holistic interventions grounded in restorative justice that are more effective, cost less, and result in greater public safety for all. We believe our holistic, community-led (approximately 70% of our staff and Board of Directors are from North Lawndale) restorative justice model will transform the criminal justice system and end mass incarceration. More information on LCLC can be found at www.lclc.net.

Our North Lawndale Community

North Lawndale is a vibrant and resilient community and we are proud to be a part of it. Our office is located just next door to the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Apartments and Exhibit Center, built on the site where Dr. King lived for six months during his Chicago Freedom Campaign in 1966. North Lawndale is tightly-knit, and we are gratified by our affiliation with the Lawndale Community Church, an organization that has done so much to bring necessary health and legal services to the community. Unfortunately, following decades of disinvestment, “white flight”, redlining, and other harbingers of systemic poverty and violence, North Lawndale still suffers from high levels of poverty, economic hardship, violence, and over- policing. 

In North Lawndale, approximately 850 officers are assigned to the two police districts that patrol 35,000 residents. In addition, a significant percentage of specialized units (which are historically aggressive and abusive) have been ordered to rove in our community. More than 1,500 youth are arrested in North Lawndale yearly, the second highest rate in Chicago. Indiscriminate stops and searches of North Lawndale residents are a daily occurrence; 66% of adults surveyed perceived no legitimate reason for their most recent police stop. A startling 59% of adults in North Lawndale have been arrested, 30% convicted, and 27% jailed. 

Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds that our youths encounter within North Lawndale, namely the violence, poverty, and police brutality, they demonstrate hope, resolve, and a drive to make their neighborhood a better place. We are continually inspired by our clients’ resilience and positivity in the face of external challenges. It is both an honor and a privilege to help them walk them away from the criminal justice system and equip them to take control of their future.

Job Description

LCLC seeks a skilled and energetic Paralegal Intern who is committed to social and criminal justice reform. The Paralegal works directly with the legal team, providing support for attorneys with juvenile and criminal defense caseloads, alongside another paralegal and an investigator. This person will report directly to the Director of Holistic Legal Services. 

 

Responsibilities

  • Collaborating with attorneys and paralegals to develop and maintain the records management system, including: maintaining physical and electronic files, scanning and “Bates stamping” documents; managing discovery and records logs; and entering client and case data into electronic databases
  • Drafting and filing standard motions and appearance forms
  • Conducting legal and online research
  • Preparing and serving subpoenas
  • Preparing cover letters and other correspondence
  • Answering and responding to telephone inquiries
  • Assisting with filing pleadings in adult and juvenile court, both conventionally and using the E-File system
  • Transcribing video and audio files
  • Communicate with the State’s Attorney’s Office, law enforcement agencies and community partners
  • Assisting in investigations as needed
  • Interacting with youth and emerging adults

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills
  • Passion for social justice, particularly as related to the criminal justice system
  • Familiarity with urban settings
  • Ability to perform well under pressure
  • Ability to work in teams and independently
  • Ability to balance competing tasks and deadlines
  • Ability to be resourceful and creative in finding solutions to problems
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively with a diverse staff, clients, and community partners.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance required

Application

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to: Elaina Sauber, at esauber@lclc.net and Latrionna Moore, at lmoore@lclc.net. Include position title in email subject. The position, which is available immediately, will remain open until filled.

Lawndale Christian Legal Center is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and organizational needs. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of those we serve. 

North Lawndale, Austin, East Garfield Park, and Little Village residents, minorities, and individuals impacted by the criminal justice system encouraged to apply.