Law clerk, school law fall 2026

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the District supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Law Clerk represents the Board of Education in the prosecution of expulsion hearings for students alleged to have violated the Chicago Public Schools Student Code of Conduct. In addition to prosecuting expulsion hearings, law clerks may represent the Board in other types of administrative hearings and do legal research for the School Law Unit.

This position is that of a miscellaneous employee, thus no benefits are provided. This clerkship is an externship that is part-time and temporary in nature. This is an unpaid externship designed in partnership with local law schools for class credit. This role is part-time and temporary in nature. The ideal candidate will be able to commit approximately 12 - 14 weeks; Fall term approximate dates: 9/21/26 - 12/11/26 and Spring term approximate dates: 1/4/27 - 5/21/27.

Job Summary:

The Law Clerk will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Review, analyze, prepare, and present evidence and witnesses for administrative hearings
• Prepare and conduct opening and closing statements during administrative hearings
• Describe the expectations of the administrative hearings to administrators, witnesses, parents, and students
• Conduct Direct and Cross-Examination of witnesses during administrative hearings
• Conduct factual and legal research for School Law Attorneys

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Law Clerk must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, required
• Currently enrolled in Law School, required
• Completed coursework in Evidence and/or Trial Advocacy, preferred.

Please note: Licensed attorneys will not be considered for this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to articulate a vision set high standards, and effectively guide schools and principals in the realization of expectations set
• Ability to quickly analyze and solve issues that occur
• Ability to actively listen to administrators, students, and parents
• Strong communication skills (speaking - including presentations - listening, and writing)
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of constituent groups, including external partners and colleagues to ensure the entire system operates in the most effective manner possible to support schools and principals
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps

Residency Requirement:

There is no residency requirement for this position.