In order to apply for a PILI Internship, you will need to register on IllinoisProBono.org before you can submit your application. The Summer 2012 application period for PILI Internships will open on October 15th for 2Ls and on December 1st for 1Ls. There is an approval process for IllinoisProBono.org that can take up to 24 hours (longer on weekends and holidays); it is therefore recommended that applicants complete this registration prior to the first day of their application period. After registering and receiving approval, you may apply online for Summer 2012 PILI Internships based on the above timeline.

The Cover Letter:

Please individualize your cover letters.  Since PILI and the agencies seek a diverse group of interns, you may include information about minority status and foreign language fluency.

Deadlines:

You will not be able to upload any applications or cover letters until the Summer 2012 application season opens on October 15, 2011. NALP restrictions prohibit 1Ls from applying prior to December 1, 2011. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through March of 2012.  Please note: each agency supervisor handles hiring differently; some make hiring decisions in fall or winter, while others wait until later in the school-year.  The earlier you apply, the better your chances of obtaining an Internship.

Uploading your application materials:

Once you have uploaded your resume and your cover letter(s), your application is complete. (You will not receive any e-mail or other notification from PILI that we have received your application materials).  From December through March, agency supervisors receive weekly automated e-mails with links to their applicants.  When an agency supervisor logs in, she will see your resume and cover letter, along with those of others who have applied to her agency.

Getting hired as a PILI Intern:

PILI does not hire Interns; the agencies do. PILI recruits applicants and hosts, funds stipends, and acts as a clearinghouse.  However, here are some tips.  Public interest agencies want students who are dedicated to public interest issues.  Therefore, mention experiences that demonstrate your commitment, including volunteer or community work, and note any special skills, e.g., language proficiency, computer experience, etc.

Agency responses:

Don't be discouraged if you have applied for an Internship but have not yet received a response.  Each agency has its own hiring practices.  Some make hiring decisions in fall or winter, while others wait until later in the school-year.  Agencies may not always acknowledge every application because many agencies have neither the staff nor the funds to do so.  Some agencies will directly contact selected applicants for interviews.  If you have not yet heard from an agency, you are free to follow up with that agency to check on the status of your application, but do so in a professional and respectful manner.

Stipend for PILI Summer Interns:

PILI pays a $5,000 grant to the agency; the agency withholds taxes and pays the Intern for 400 hours, or ten full-time weeks, of work.  Check the agency's pay arrangements so you will know what to expect.

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES FOR THE 2012 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

Click here to learn about the Participating Agencies in PILI's Summer Law Student Internship Program.