The CTA Law Department’s Extern Program
"My practical experiences at the CTA helped to bolster my confidence as well as my resume."
-Quote from CTA Legal Extern, Summer 2010
The CTA’s Legal Extern Program enables law students to develop practical skills in a wide range of practice areas, including torts, employment, labor, corporate, policy and appeals, and workers’ compensation. Externs will work closely with experienced attorneys and will have the opportunity to attend trials, participate in depositions and arbitrations, prepare motions/briefs, and draft contracts. They will also have a unique vantage point into the diverse and complex legal issues addressed by the second largest transit agency in the country.
The Program runs throughout the year, with fall, spring and summer sessions. Through a series of in-house lectures and workshops given by CTA lawyers, externs will learn about topics such as legal research and writing, negotiations, labor arbitrations, and taking depositions.
Although Legal Externs are not paid, law students who participate in the CTA’s Legal Extern Program may be eligible to receive their 711 Licenses. This license enables law school students who are under the supervision of a CTA lawyer to appear in court, represent the CTA in contested matters, and counsel clients.
Eligibility Requirements
An applicant for the Legal Extern position will meet the following criteria:
- Is a student in a law school that is approved by the American Bar Association;
- is eligible to work in the United States;
- is a second-year or third-year law school student (third-year students are preferred for fall and spring externships);
- is a student in good academic standing and has a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a scale of 4.0;
- is generally able to work a minimum of 15 hours a week during fall and spring sessions, and 40 hours a week during the summer session;
- is eligible to receive law school credit or work study payment, or a stipend/grant from his or her law school for the externship; and
- demonstrated interest in the public sector is a plus!
Application Process
To apply for the Legal Extern Program, please submit a current resume and an official law school transcript to:
Anita Brooks
HR Special Programs Administrator
Human Resources, 3rd Floor
Chicago Transit Authority
567 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60661
If you have any questions about the CTA’s Legal Extern Program, you can contact Nancy Isaac, Chief Administrator of the Office of General Counsel, at nisaac@transitchicago.com.
CTA is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Chicago Transit Authority that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge or disability, provided that the individual with the disability is able to perform the essential functions of the job which he/she desires to hold with reasonable accommodation by the Authority.