Application Guide

How to Apply for Attorney - Program Counsel (Michigan Based)

at Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.

🏢 About Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.

Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights is a historic civil rights organization founded in 1969, uniquely leveraging pro bono partnerships with major law firms to advance racial equity. Its Midwest Voting Rights Program is at the forefront of protecting democratic access in a critical battleground region, offering attorneys a chance to combine impact litigation with community-driven advocacy.

About This Role

As Program Counsel in Michigan, you will lead voting rights litigation and policy advocacy, including federal and state court impact cases, while building coalitions with local organizations. This role directly shapes election protection and civic participation for communities of color, making it a high-impact opportunity to combat voter suppression.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a strategy call with coalition partners about an emerging voter suppression issue, followed by drafting a motion in a federal voting rights case. Afternoon could involve training volunteer attorneys for an upcoming election, then reviewing a proposed Michigan bill for its impact on communities of color.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc. Is Looking For

  • A Michigan-barred attorney with at least 5 years of combined experience in civil rights litigation, policy advocacy, and voting rights, including 3+ years of litigation with a track record of impact cases in federal court.
  • Deeply connected to Michigan's advocacy landscape, with established relationships with voting rights organizations, community groups, and coalitions focused on racial equity.
  • Skilled in both legal strategy and community education, able to translate complex legal issues into accessible know-your-rights materials and train volunteers.
  • Passionate about dismantling barriers to voting, with demonstrated experience in legislative advocacy and a commitment to centering marginalized communities.

📝 Tips for Applying to Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.

1

Explicitly detail your federal court litigation experience in your cover letter, including case names and outcomes, to demonstrate impact litigation capability.

2

Highlight any existing relationships with Michigan-based voting rights or civil rights organizations, as the role emphasizes partnership cultivation.

3

Showcase your experience with voter protection or election protection initiatives, such as coordinating hotlines or volunteer attorneys.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize policy advocacy wins, such as testimony or bill drafting, alongside litigation achievements.

5

Address your familiarity with Michigan's specific voting laws and recent changes (e.g., Proposal 2, gerrymandering cases) in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your commitment to racial equity and community-centered advocacy, aligning with the organization's mission since 1969.", 'Detail your experience leading impact litigation in federal court, especially voting rights cases, and your comfort with fast-paced election cycles.', 'Describe your ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders, from community groups to law firms.', 'Highlight any experience training volunteers or creating know-your-rights materials, showing your capacity for community education.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Chicago Lawyers' Committee's recent voting rights cases and press releases, especially those involving Michigan.
  • → Study the Midwest Voting Rights Program's strategic priorities and past amicus briefs or reports.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key Michigan voting rights organizations like the ACLU of Michigan, Promote the Vote, and the League of Women Voters.
  • → Understand the current political and legal context: Michigan's independent redistricting commission, recent voter ID laws, and ongoing litigation.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a voting rights case you litigated from start to finish, including strategy and challenges.
2 How do you approach building trust with community organizations that may be skeptical of legal interventions?
3 Describe a time you had to balance litigation with policy advocacy—how did you prioritize?
4 What is your understanding of Michigan's current voting landscape, including recent legislation and pending cases?
5 How would you recruit and manage pro bono attorneys for Election Protection efforts?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic civil rights experience—focus specifically on voting rights and Michigan connections.
  • Don't overlook the importance of community partnerships; this role is not just about litigation but also coalition-building.
  • Do not submit a cover letter that fails to mention your Michigan bar membership or lacks specific references to the organization's work.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.!

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