Legal Research Intern

Legal research intern

The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking an intern to be part of a high-performing team conducting research that makes a difference. You’ll help analyze laws and bills to identify policies to help Illinois taxpayers – and uncover policies that would hurt them. You’ll also work with the team to uncover information generally unavailable to the public that is held by state and local government units.

For the duration of your internship, you’ll work in our Chicago office a few days per week (exact number negotiable) as a member of our Policy and Litigation team.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Assist with legal research related to legislation, the Illinois constitution and other issues relevant to the institute's legal work.
• Conduct research for articles and reports on education, labor issues, ethics and transparency in government and more.
• Source and analyze data related to policy issues
• Write articles about a wide range of policies affecting Illinoisans
• File Freedom of Information Act requests to uncover government data not readily available to the public.

Qualified applicants will:

• Have or be working toward a bachelors or graduate degree with a focus on political science, government, law or public policy.
• Have excellent data analysis and writing skills, proficiency in Excel, attention to detail, the ability to work as part of a team and a positive attitude.

Exposure to legal research databases and/or the legislative process is a plus but not required.

To apply, submit:
1) a résumé,
2) a cover letter detailing your qualifications for the position and interest in working for the Illinois Policy Institute and
3) one writing sample.

The Illinois Policy Institute is the strongest voice for taxpayers in the state. We stand up for regular Illinoisans who deserve a voice in government but have been ignored in favor of special interests for too long. We educate and engage Illinoisans from all walks of life to ensure our state is a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Illinois is a place we should all be proud to call home.

The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research organization.

• That civil and personal liberties must be protected and preserved.
• Illinois should be a place where people of all talents, interests and cultural backgrounds can succeed with hard work and ingenuity.
• In effective, efficient, honest and transparent government that is accountable to taxpayers and residents in need, not political special interests.
• That the best policies empower people – and limit the power of government.
• That a public pension system that threatens to bankrupt our state, drive down economic growth and evaporate retirements for public-sector workers is immoral – but that modest reforms can solve this crisis.
• Property taxes must be brought under control so people are not forced out of their homes.
• Workers deserve the right to choose whether a labor union serves their values and interests.
• Economic policy should focus on creating jobs and opportunities for all.
• Voters deserve choices at the ballot box and no politician is entitled to a safe seat.
• Each child should have access to their choice of educational opportunities that meet their individual needs and prepare them for the future.

This is a temporary, full-time internship position lasting 10 weeks, with an expected schedule of approximately 40 hours per week during the internship period.

Compensation is $18.00 per hour.

As a temporary internship position, this role is not eligible for employer-sponsored benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, dental or vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, or other fringe benefits.