The Illinois JusticeCorps Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates in Sangamon County to make a tangible difference in their community. Through this AmeriCorps program, JusticeCorps volunteers serve as guides in courthouses, helping individuals navigate the civil justice system without legal representation.
Equipped with extensive training, fellows provide vital legal information and familiarize themselves with each courthouse's operations, ensuring a more welcoming and less intimidating experience for self-represented litigants. By connecting individuals to relevant legal aid resources, fellows empower them to make informed decisions about their legal matters.
The fellowship entails a full-time commitment of 1700 hours, approximately 35 hours per week, and offers a stipend of $25,000. Fellows receive bi-monthly payments on the 1st and 15th. Additionally, participants may be eligible for an education award and student loan deferment. Health insurance and childcare options are also available, ensuring support for fellows throughout their service.
As part of their role, fellows not only assist individuals but also lead teams of volunteers, create AmeriCorps projects and events, collect data for reports, and observe court proceedings. This unique opportunity provides fellows with professional experience, fostering connections with like-minded service-oriented individuals.
To apply for the Illinois JusticeCorps Fellowship, interested candidates can visit my.americorps.gov. Simply search for "Justicecorps" under the "search listing" section to access the application portal. For further details about the program, visit illinoisbarfoundation.org/illinois-justicecorps.