In addition to offering competitive salaries, employees receive a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug benefits, life insurance, and pension plan; paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal time, and 13 paid holidays; Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program; 12-week Paid Parental Leave; and remote work opportunities. Information concerning benefits can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page. The Office of the Cook County Public Guardian is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified candidates may submit a resume and cover letter to Kelley A. Thornton, Deputy of Administration & Human Resources, at kelley.thornton@cookcountyil.gov
Attorney I
Grade: 18
Location: Domestic Relations Division, Chicago, IL
Salary: $89,906
Benefits: Information concerning benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page
JOB SUMMARY: Attorneys in the Domestic Relations Division provide legal representation for children whose parents are involved in contested custody or visitation disputes. As child representative, attorneys advocate for the best interest of our clients regarding custody, visitation, support, removal from the jurisdiction, and risk of harm in orders of protection. Attorney advocacy includes investigating the child’s situation, relationships, and allegations made by either party in order to take an informed position regarding what is in the child’s best interest.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois or admitted to practice law pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 717.
- Experience in public service and children’s issues.
- Must have excellent professional judgment and demeanor, assessment, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- Must be well organized, detail-oriented, have the ability to prioritize work, meet constant deadlines, maintain confidentiality, handle multiple tasks, and deal with situations of stress and emergency within a fast-paced environment.
- Must work well independently and work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Must possess strong computer skills especially with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and video conferencing applications.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following core duties are fundamental to the performance of the job; other duties may be assigned and/or may be necessary in the performance of the job.
- Maintain regular and timely contact with clients.
- Ensure that all client contact is developmentally appropriate.
- Respond to calls, mail and other inquiries daily or in an otherwise timely manner.
- Organize and maintain files, records and documents. Keep an accurate appointment book and enter all appointments, court appearances, etc., in the computer database as requested.
- Accurately and regularly document time spent on each case for fee purposes. File with the court timely fee petitions and invoices every 90 days on each case or as requested.
- Fully prepare cases, address basic and complex issues, meet filing deadlines, secure records, subpoena witnesses and complete follow up in a timely manner.
- File motions and/or convene Settlement Conferences.
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of existing/emerging law regarding domestic relations, parentage, abuse/neglect, domestic violence and other issues affecting children and families (including administrative rules, regulations and procedures).
- Effectively and professionally advocate before judges, hearing officers, administrative law judges and others as necessary.
- Effectively conduct negotiations, settlement conferences, and promote discussion, when appropriate, to resolve matters.
- Work effectively with other individuals involved with a case (e.g. medical professionals, social workers, teachers, other attorneys, etc.).
- Work effectively with co-workers and display initiative and willingness to assist others and take on additional tasks.
- Seek out supervision and assistance with issues as they arise.
- Exhibit willingness to serve in other capacities within the office and/or on behalf of the office (e.g. training committee, mentoring law clerks, committees within the Domestic Relations Division of the court); represent OPG at seminars, symposia, conferences, etc. (including out of the area and out of state) and make presentations and speeches upon request.
- Perform additional tasks/responsibilities as assigned by the Supervising Attorney.
- Arrive promptly on a daily basis and work the hours necessary to thoroughly and appropriately represent our clients and fulfill other job duties.
- Learn and comply with all office policies and procedures and attend all required meetings, including staff meetings and child representative trainings sponsored by the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division.
- Attend and participate in training required to maintain skill, competency, and knowledge of the law; comply with all requirements for mandatory continuing legal education.
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of services, programs, and evaluators available to assist clients and their families.
- Be willing to perform any additional tasks that may be needed to ensure that the office and division runs efficiently and effectively
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen;
- Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk;
- Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation;
- Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds;
- Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily
THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Investment Specialist
GRADE: 16
LOCATION: Adult Guardianship Division – Financial Services Department
SALARY: $68,143
BENEFITS: Information concerning benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.
JOB SUMMARY: The Cook County Public Guardian’s Adult Guardianship Division (OPG) serves as the court appointed guardian for adults adjudicated as persons with disabilities by a judge in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The Public Guardian’s authorities and responsibilities are bound by the Probate Act of 1975 and other relevant statutes and case law. As guardian of the person, the Public Guardian is responsible for the personal well-being of the person with a disability. As guardian of the estate, the Public Guardian is responsible for the finances, legal matters, and property of the person with a disability. The Investment Specialist is responsible for entering, updating, and reconciling investment records for all OPG estates including brokerage accounts, certificates of deposit, US Treasury obligations, money markets, and IRAs. The Specialist also prepares annual reports of investment holdings and activity for auditors, responds to auditor inquiries, and conducts annual physical inspection of all savings bonds.
Qualifications:
- A. or B.S. in Finance or Accounting from an accredited college or university.
- Must have experience and knowledge with investment instruments.
- Must be proficient in data entry and have strong skills in Microsoft word and Excel.
- Must possess strong math aptitude and general computer and analytical skills.
- Must be well organized, detail-oriented, have the ability to prioritize work, meet constant deadlines, maintain confidentiality, handle multiple tasks, and deal with situations of stress and emergency within a fast-paced environment.
- Must have a commitment to the highest level of business and interpersonal ethics. Must be able to work independently and part of a team to meet constant deadlines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following core duties are fundamental to the performance of the job. Other duties may be assigned and/or may be necessary in the performance of the job.
- Perform detailed reconciliations between custodial statements, Panoramic, and general ledger records for estates including brokerage accounts, certificates of deposit, US Treasury obligations, money markets and IRAs.
- Provide knowledge and support regarding security values and balances to various OPG departments.
- Analyze and prepare reports on investment holdings and activities for all audits performed during the fiscal year.
- Maintain, analyze and update investment records for all audits performed during the fiscal year including balancing and tracking via Panoramic Software.
- Ensure all financial Investment statements are uploaded for electronic use
- Perform periodic internal reviews of investment records to ensure compliance with audit standards
- Assist with the auditor’s inquiries and confirmation requests.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls related to investment tracking and reporting
- Assist as backup for Home Care Departments payroll processing.
- Process monthly ward expense checks when requested by the Home Care Department
- Assist as back up for Processing the Daily Payment requests
- Complete Biweekly Accounts Independent Contractor Payrolls
- Perform final reconciliation and financial closeout of deceased and discharged estates.
- Attend Status department meetings for all client portfolios.
- Complete end of day reconciliation in absence of Director or Assistant Director of Financial Services.
- Respond promptly to calls, email, regular mail and other inquiries daily or in an otherwise timely manner.
- Perform all other work assigned by the Director of the Financial Services Department.
- Communicate timely and professionally with attorneys, supervisors, case managers, private agencies, other outside vendors as well as OPG staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen;
- Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk;
- Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation;
- Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds;
- Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.
Case Manager – AFSCME Council 31, Local 396
GRADE: PG II – $67,812
LOCATION: Adult Guardianship Division
SUMMARY: The Adult Division of the Cook County Public Guardian (OPG) serves as the court-appointed guardian for adults adjudicated as persons with disabilities by a judge in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The Case Manager maintains a caseload of adults appointed a legal guardian over their person and or estate, and is responsible for managing and coordinating a broad range of comprehensive case management services regarding the environmental, placement, physical, medical, psychiatric, mental, social and personal needs of individuals under guardianship.
Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in social work, gerontology, psychology or related human service field. Master’s Degree preferred. Must possess excellent professional judgment, problem-solving skills, crisis intervention, communication and interpersonal skills. Must possess excellent analytical and clinical assessment skills. Must possess proven knowledge of community medical and health resources, extended care, mental health programing and other social service resources used on behalf of individuals under OPG guardianship. Must be well organized, detail-oriented, have the ability to handle multiple tasks, work efficiently within a fast paced environment and meet constant deadlines. Must have a reliable vehicle, a valid Illinois Driver’s license and insurance. Must be willing to travel extensively in Cook County and some out of county travel as needed. Must display a strong commitment to serving individuals in the least restrictive setting clinically appropriate. Must be able to work independently and work as part of an interdisciplinary team to meet constant deadlines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following core duties are fundamental to the performance of the job. Other duties may be assigned and/or may be necessary to the performance of the job.
— Responsible for completing statutory requirement of a minimum of one monthly face-to face contact with all assigned individuals under OPG guardianship. Attend property inspections and inventories in the field.
— Monitor the environmental, placement, physical, psychiatric, social and personal needs of assigned clients on a continuous basis. Ensure that the individual’s clinical and medical needs are being met appropriately.
— Evaluate, monitor and coordinate the individual’s care, placement, and status in diverse settings including, but not limited to: nursing homes, community placement, CILA’s, supportive/assistive living, psychiatric settings, and hospitals.
— Identify and communicate significant issues regarding client moves, status changes, major medical consents, deaths, allegations of abuse or neglect, and other significant events.
— Coordinate care for individuals by diverse providers including physicians, psychiatrists, home health agencies, hospice/palliative care providers, home care services, therapeutic, recreational and religious services.
— Formulate, monitor, and evaluate, on-going plans of care. Assess the level and quality of services provided and determine appropriate recommendations.
— Maintain electronic documentation case records in the Panoramic database including monthly contact/assessment reports and client events regarding site visits, significant contacts, hospitalizations, medical and psychiatric changes, incidents, consents, and other status changes and case decisions in a timely manner. Organize and maintain paper files, documents and records.
— Respond to emergencies and be available to work extended hours as needed.
— Provide clear, concise, and accurate testimony in court.
— Participate in on-call rotation evenings, weekends and holidays.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Daily driving within and outside of Cook County;
- Use telephone and/or computer on a daily basis for phone calls and data entry;
- Ability to lift and carry technology and files, up to 15 pounds, while vising clients in the community.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
OFFICE CLERK
GRADE: 12
LOCATION: Adult Guardianship Division
SALARY: $50,276
BENEFITS: Information concerning benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.
JOB SUMMARY: The Cook County Public Guardian’s Adult Guardianship Division (OPG) serves as the court-appointed guardian for adults adjudicated as persons with disabilities by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The Office Clerk is responsible for performing tasks such as handling correspondence, filing, issuing, and delivering court documents, maintaining office files and providing switchboard relief.
QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED certification required. Must be well organized, detail oriented, have the ability to handle multiple tasks, have excellent communication (oral and written), professional and interpersonal skills. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team to meet constant deadlines. Must have a valid driver’s license.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug-Free Workplace, the use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following core duties are fundamental to the performance of the job. Other duties may be assigned and/or may be necessary in the performance of the job.
1. File documents and prepare files for Adult Guardianship and Domestic Relations Divisions.
2. File and deliver court documentation.
3. Obtain and copy court files, medical records, and other documentation from various court houses and medical facilities.
4. Operate office machines including scanners, copiers, facsimile machines and Neopost machine.
5. Run various errands.
6. Perform data entry.
7. Scan and store archived files and other documents.
8. Complete quality control of scanned files.
9. Assist with case file management.
10. Assist with data entry.
11. Review data in various office systems.
12. Provide back-up assistance for the front desk/reception area, mailroom, and other support areas as needed.
13. Obtain vital statistic records.
14. Assist with special projects as needed.
15. Respond promptly to calls, email, regular mail and other inquiries daily or in an otherwise timely manner.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
· On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen;
· Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk;
· Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation;
· Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds;
· Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
ATTORNEY I
GRADE: 18
LOCATION: Adult Guardianship Division
SALARY: $89,906
BENEFITS: Information concerning benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page
JOB SUMMARY: The Cook County Public Guardian’s Adult Guardianship Division (OPG) serves as the court-appointed guardian for adults adjudicated as persons with disabilities by a judge in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The Public Guardian’s authorities and responsibilities are bound by the Probate Act of 1975 and other relevant statutes and case law. As guardian of the person, the Public Guardian is responsible for the personal well-being of the person with a disability. As guardian of the estate, the Public Guardian is responsible for the finances, legal matters, and property of the person with a disability. The Public Guardian strives to maintain the maximum level of independence for the persons under his guardianship. An attorney in the Adult Guardianship Division is responsible for competently and zealously representing the Public Guardian as his attorney and agent when he is appointed legal guardian. At all times the attorney is to follow the ethical rules set forth in the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and relevant case law.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois or admitted to practice law pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 717. Law school graduates awaiting July 2025 Illinois bar results are eligible to apply.
- Ability to multitask, pay close attention to detail, and prioritize responsibilities.
- Ability to conduct complex and detailed analysis of legal and other issues relevant to persons with disabilities.
- Excellent professional judgment, leadership, communication, crisis intervention, and people skills.
- Ability to work independently to solve complex issues and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet deadlines.
- Experience working with or advocating on behalf of persons with disabilities.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following core duties and tasks are fundamental to the performance of the job and must be performed pursuant to office policy. Other duties may be assigned and/or may be necessary in the performance of the job.
- Serve as attorney and agent for the Public Guardian when he is appointed guardian by the Probate Court for a person with disabilities.
- Appear in court on behalf of the Public Guardian (including Probate, Law, Municipal, Chancery and other divisions).
- Effectively and professionally advocate before judges, hearing officers, and administrative law judges.
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the Probate Act of 1975, Illinois Power of Attorney Act, Living Will Act, Health Care Surrogate Act, Disposition of Remains Act, Cemetery Act, Code of Civil Procedure, Illinois Supreme Court Rules, Rules and General Orders of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois Rules of Evidence, and other laws, administrative rules, regulations or procedures pertinent to OPG or its persons under guardianship.
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of pertinent case law and demonstrate an ability and willingness to research the law pertinent to OPG and its persons under guardianship.
- Prepare for contested guardianship hearings—e.g., conduct discovery, address basic and complex issues, meet deadlines, obtain records, subpoena and prepare witnesses, and complete follow up in a timely manner.
- Prepare and present court documents (e.g., inventories, petitions, reports, accounts) as required under the Probate Act of 1975 and Rules and General Orders of the Circuit Court of Cook County in a timely manner.
- Work effectively with other OPG departments; convene and lead ongoing meetings with other departments to appropriately address the needs (e.g., placement, medical care, end-oflife decisions, etc.) of their persons under guardianship and to address emergencies as they arise.
- Conduct initial inspections of real estate, storage lockers, safe deposit boxes, mobile homes, trailers, and other property of persons under OPG guardianship. These inspections may involve physical labor and use of protective gear.
- Oversee and address all aspects of real estate in which a person under guardianship has an interest, including but not limited to title issues, mortgages, insurance, liens, taxes, rental payments, tenants and other property management issues.
- Work effectively with other individuals involved with a case outside OPG (e.g., family, medical professionals, social workers, Adult Protective Services, other external or contract attorneys, law enforcement).
- Effectively conduct negotiations and promote discussion, when appropriate, to resolve matters.
- Maintain regular and timely contact with persons served by the Public Guardian, including visiting at least one person under guardianship per month.
- Draft, review and execute contracts, advance directives, pre-need funeral/burial arrangements, and estate planning documents.
- Prepare and maintain budgets and promptly conduct financial planning and Medicaid spenddown as appropriate.
- Organize and maintain electronic and paper files, records and documents.
- Effectively document important events, actions and decisions on each individual case.
- Record attorney legal time for billable and non-billable events in a timely manner.
- Respond to calls, email, regular mail, and other inquiries daily or in an otherwise timely manner.
- Participate in on-call rotation evenings, weekends, and holidays a few times a year.
- Seek out supervision and assistance with issues as they arise; follow supervisory direction.
- Attend and participate in trainings required to maintain skill, competency, and knowledge of the law and to complete MCLE requirements.
- Exhibit willingness to serve in other capacities within the office and/or on behalf of OPG (e.g., serve on office committees, interview and supervise law clerks, conduct research, lead trainings, attend legal conferences, special projects).
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen;
- Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk;
- Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation;
- Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds;
- Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
ATTORNEY I
GRADE: 18
LOCATION: Juvenile Division
SALARY: $89,906
BENEFITS: Information concerning benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.
JOB SUMMARY: The Cook County Public Guardian represents youth in care as both their attorney and guardian ad litem. Child Protection judges appoint the Public Guardian to promote the goals of the Juvenile Court Act and ensure the client’s safety and well-being are met by the Department of Children and Family Services and caregivers. The Public Guardian’s advocacy extends to various areas of the law and settings. At all times the attorney is to follow the ethical rules set forth in the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and relevant case law.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois or admitted to practice law pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 717. Law school graduates awaiting July 2025 Illinois bar results are eligible to apply.
- Experience in public service and children’s issues.
- Must have excellent professional judgment and demeanor, assessment, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- Must be well organized, detail-oriented, have the ability to prioritize work, meet constant deadlines, maintain confidentiality, handle multiple tasks, and deal with situations of stress and emergency within a fast-paced environment.
- Must work well independently and work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Must possess strong computer skills especially with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and video conferencing applications.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following core duties and tasks are fundamental to the performance of the job and must be performed pursuant to office policy. Other duties may be assigned and/or may be necessary in the performance of the job.
- Represent and advocate for clients competently and effectively as attorney and/or guardian ad litem.
- Advocate for client’s wishes and/or best interest based on individual circumstances.
- Practice law ethically in accordance with the Illinois Code of Professional Responsibility and relevant case law.
- Prepare cases for court, hearings or other meetings in a timely manner (e.g., initiate discovery, file appropriate pleadings, convene staffings).
- Demonstrate familiarity and competency with using the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, the Juvenile Court Act, other appropriate statutes, and relevant case law for civil and administrative practice.
- Draft well-written and factual pleadings, correspondence and other documents.
- Conduct legal research.
- Maintain regular and timely in-person and remote contact with clients that includes targeting an average of four field interviews per month and assist with out-of-area visits.
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of available resources to assist clients.
- Seek out supervision and assistance with issues as they arise; follow supervisory direction.
- Attend and participate in trainings required to maintain skill, competency, and knowledge of the law and to complete MCLE requirements.
- Exhibit willingness to serve in other capacities within the office and/or on behalf of OPG (e.g., serve on office committees, interview and supervise law clerks, conduct research, lead trainings, attend legal conferences, special projects).
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen;
- Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk;
- Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation;
- Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds;
- Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
Law Student Internship
(Juvenile, Adult Guardianship, and Domestic Relations Divisions & Appeals Unit)
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Divisions and Appeals Unit welcome law clerks throughout the year to assist in representing clients from birth to age 21. Volunteers, grant recipients, and students working for credit are encouraged to apply. The law clerk program is designed to provide students with practical experience. Law clerks may request to be assigned to the Juvenile Division, the Domestic Relations Division, or the Appeals Unit. Duties may include drafting motions and other court documents, legal research, appellate briefs, case preparation, interviewing witnesses, and assisting experienced attorneys in advocating for children and youth. Students with a license issued pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 may appear in court under the supervision of a licensed attorney and receive training to interview child clients. All law clerks participate in an orientation and formal training. Each law clerk receives performance evaluations. Law clerks must be enrolled in an accredited law school, possess the ability to communicate and work with attorneys and other professional staff, demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, and show enthusiasm and assertiveness. All internships and clerkships are unpaid. Check with your school for externships or other credit arrangements. Volunteers, grant recipients, and students working for credit may submit a cover letter and resume via email to the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, Attn: Law Clerk Coordinator, Law Clerk Program, opg@cookcountyil.gov. Deadlines for submitting applications are November 15th for Spring clerkships, March 15th for Summer clerkships, and July 15th for Fall clerkships.
The Adult Guardianship Division of the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian offers a unique opportunity to law students. Attorneys in the Adult Guardianship Division represent the Public Guardian in his capacity as guardian of disabled adults. While attorneys primarily handle guardianship matters in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, they often find themselves representing the Public Guardian on behalf of disabled adults in other divisions such as Municipal, Chancery, and Domestic Relations, to name a few. As law clerks in the Adult Guardianship Division, students assist attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, motions, and other legal pleadings, and preparing for trial or other hearings. Student law clerks are also offered the unique opportunity to accompany attorneys in the field to conduct real property inspections, visit with disabled adults at their residences, and attend meetings with other professionals working with disabled adults. A law student with a license under Supreme Court Rule 711 may appear before the court supervised by one of the Adult Guardianship attorneys. All student law clerks are provided in-house training at the start of the clerkship and are mentored by the attorneys. All internships and clerkships are unpaid. Check with your school for externships or other credit arrangements. Interested law students should submit a cover letter and resume via email to the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, Attn: Law Clerk Coordinator, Law Clerk Program, opg@cookcountyil.gov. Deadlines for submitting applications are November 15th for Spring clerkships, March 15th for Summer clerkships, and July 15th for Fall clerkships.
Caseworker Advocate Internship
The caseworker advocate student internship allows qualified students to assist the caseworker advocacy unit in interviewing children in order to gather information from the child’s perspective. This is a field position, requiring students to have a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and insurance.
Psychology Student Internship
The Juvenile Division welcomes master’s and doctoral-level psychology students interested in completing a social justice practicum as part of their training through their academic program. Students interested in learning about advocacy, public service, marginalized populations, legal proceedings, and child welfare are encouraged to apply. Internships are unpaid. Psychology students will complete a project as part of a team that aims to facilitate advocacy in meeting the needs of our clients. Interns must be enrolled in an accredited institution with an educational agreement in place with our office, demonstrate good time management, analytical skills, and organizational abilities, and have an interest in research and a passion for learning about working with this population. Psychology students receive weekly supervision by a licensed clinical psychologist.
THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
