Chicago Community Bond Fund (“CCBF”) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the use of money bond and pretrial incarceration. Through a revolving bail fund, CCBF has paid over $5,500,000 in bonds to free more than 863 people from jail and electronic monitoring since 2015. CCBF is also engaged in policy advocacy and community organizing to increase public awareness and to move forward the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act. This bill will overhaul the state’s pretrial justice system and end the use of money bond. There remains plenty of work to be done during the current period before full implementation and the end of money bond in Illinois.

CCBF is seeking a current law student to fill the Law Clerk position for the summer 2023 semester/quarter(s) for 32-40 hours of work per week. Responsibilities will include participating in CCBF’s intake process, research and writing related to advocacy work, and presentation of affidavits in criminal court. The Law Clerk will assist the Legal Advocacy Coordinator in the management of the Informational hotline to provide brief legal orientation and referrals. Interns eligible for 711 (student attorney) licenses will have the opportunity to visit clients virtually in Cook County Jail as part of the intake and release processes. The intern will have extensive opportunities to interact with clients, potential clients, and their family members. The intern will gain experience in client interviewing, legal and policy research, and legal and advocacy writing. The Law Clerk may also have the opportunity to observe and participate in court proceedings. 

This internship may be eligible for federal work study and course credit. CCBF encourages students to seek funding through their law school’s respective public interest programs if available. Students ineligible for such supplemental funding will be compensated at the rate of $19.50 per hour. CCBF is currently working remotely most of the time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some in-office hours are required at CCBF’s office at the Westside Justice Center, with appropriate health precautions taken.

All applicants must be committed to racial justice and criminal legal system reform. Previous experience in community organizing and working with criminalized communities is advantageous. People of color, women, LGBTQI-GNC people, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated and other people who have been directly impacted by criminalization are strongly encouraged to apply. 

To apply, please submit a resume to hiring@chicagobond.org. Priority applications are due Friday, April 14, 2022. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This posting is also available as a PDF here.