Post-Graduate Legal Fellowship Program

Supports professional development of young attorneys while increasing access to justice for low-income Illinois residents. Partnership between Illinois Bar Foundation and participating law schools.

Program Structure:

• Illinois Bar Foundation and participating law schools share cost of each fellowship
• Provides salary and benefits for a recent law school graduate
• Fellow works as a staff attorney at their alma mater's legal aid clinic

Program Purposes:

• Increase access to civil legal aid for low-income Illinois residents by providing effective legal services by qualified lawyers
• Help new attorneys develop practical legal skills and hone interpersonal, professional and business skills
• Enhance employment prospects at conclusion of fellowship
• Instill in young attorneys a spirit of public interest law
• Enable continued service to low-income clients throughout their careers

Participating Law Schools (Historical):

• Loyola University Chicago School of Law
• UIC John Marshall Law School
• DePaul University College of Law
• Northern Illinois University College of Law
• University of Illinois College of Law

Current Status:

• PAUSED as of 2022
• Foundation evaluating program and considering changes needed to adapt to post-COVID-19 legal landscape
• Program suspended to assess evolving needs of law schools

Contact Information:

• Illinois Bar Foundation
• 20 South Clark, Suite 810
• Chicago, IL 60603
• Phone: 312.726.6072
• Email: IBFInfo@illinoisbarfoundation.org