The City of Chicago Department of Law invites law students to apply for its 2012 Summer Law Clerk Program. Usually, the program\u00a0begins June 1st and is for a minimum of 10 weeks; however, the start date and duration of a law clerk\u2019s summer will be determined by the law clerk and his\/her direct supervisor. The Summer Program is designed to provide current law students with a challenging unpaid clerkship that reflects the demands and rewards of public service, as well as a realistic picture of what it is like to practice law for the City of Chicago.<\/p>\n
Participants in the Summer Program are not compensated. Some schools may offer students grants or allow for academic credit.<\/p>\n
During the Summer Program, the law clerks will be assigned to work in one of the practice divisions in the law department and\u00a0 participate in a wide variety of activities including:<\/p>\n
1. assisting in trial preparation;
\n2. attending depositions;
\n3. observing real estate closings;
\n4. attending client meetings and court proceedings;
\n5. researching legal issues; and
\n6. drafting memoranda, briefs and contracts.<\/p>\n
Also, law clerks that have finished their second year of law school and qualify for an Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 license may\u00a0 represent the City in:<\/p>\n
1. mandatory tort arbitrations in the Circuit\u00a0 Court of\u00a0 Cook County;
\n2. disciplinary hearings for the police and labor boards; and
\n3. labor arbitration.<\/p>\n
They may also depose or examine witnesses in trials in state and federal court.<\/p>\n
During the summer, the Law Department will host a lecture series that feature speakers \u00a0addressing legal issues that affect the City in areas such as environmental and First Amendment law and provides the law clerks with opportunities to meet with City
\ndepartment officials and members of state and federal judiciary.<\/p>\n
The Law Department seeks talented, promising individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. Many of our attorneys are active in civic and professional activities and organizations. The Law Department is committed to increasing opportunities for minorities in the legal profession, and it is proud that its staff reflects the racial, cultural and ethnic diversity of Chicago.<\/p>\n
To learn more about the various Divisions within the Department of Law and the work that they handle, potential candidates should check out the Litigation, Prosecution and Transactional Division links found under \u201cWhat We Do\u201d online<\/a>.<\/p>\n