Joining Illinois JusticeCorps
Illinois JusticeCorps members are specially trained to serve as guides making the courts more welcoming and less intimidating for people without lawyers. Members receive extensive and ongoing training on how to provide legal information, how each courthouse operates, and how to address the many needs and challenges of self-represented litigants. JusticeCorps volunteers are familiar with the legal aid resources available in each courthouse and community to provide appropriate referrals to those who need legal advice or full representation.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements
In order to participate in Illinois JusticeCorps and receive the benefits of being an AmeriCorps member, prospective members must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a United States Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Agree to and complete a National Service Criminal History Check
- (Documentation of eligibility requirements will be requested during the application and interview process.)
If you are unable to meet all of the eligibility requirements of applying for an AmeriCorps position you may still be able to apply to be a traditional volunteer.
Illinois JusticeCorps Opportunity Types
Fellows
Illinois JusticeCorps Fellows commit to serve either full-time (1,700 hours) or part-time (900 hours) over the course of one year, depending on the service location. Full-time Fellows receive a $25,000 living allowance and are eligible for health insurance and child care assistance. Part-time Fellows receive a $12,500 living allowance but are not eligible for health insurance or child care assistance. All Fellows and Members are eligible for an AmeriCorps’ Segal Education Award. Each Fellow serves as the anchor member and team leader for their site. Fellows are expected to serve during courthouse hours (8:30am – 4:30pm) Monday-Friday. Some training and program activities take place on nights and weekends.
We actively recruit Fellows in the Spring (March/April) for a year-long term of service that begins in August. Interested applicants must register and submit an application on the AmerCorps’ website (search for Illinois JusticeCorps).
Members
Minimum-time Members (300 hours) are often college students serving over the course of an academic semester, school year, or summer. We aim to accommodate students’ schedules, but volunteers are expected to serve at least 8-12 hours a week. Student volunteers can also serve in our program as part of their school’s internship or experiential learning requirements. Illinois JusticeCorps does not offer a living allowance for 300-hour members, but members are eligible for AmeriCorps’ Segal Education Award.
We actively recruit student volunteers throughout the year on a rolling basis. Interested applicants can ask questions by emailing applications@iljusticecorps.org.
Click on the link below to apply.
Traditional Volunteers
Illinois JusticeCorps welcomes participation of traditional volunteers when a service site has the capacity to provide a meaningful experience. Traditional volunteers serve alongside AmeriCorps members but are not required to meet the AmeriCorps eligibility requirements, such as a minimum number of hours or citizenship requirements. Traditional volunteers are not entitled to the benefits of an AmeriCorps term of service, but may enjoy the flexibility offered by a less structured volunteer position. However, traditional volunteers are expected to serve at least 8-12 hours a week for an agreed upon length of time.
We actively recruit student volunteers throughout the year on a rolling basis. Interested applicants can ask questions by emailing applications@iljusticecorps.org.
Click on the link below to apply.