APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 – OCTOBER 11, 2019
Each year Business and Professional People for the Public Interest (BPI) offers the Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellowship, an exceptional fellowship opportunity in Chicago for a recent law school or public policy school graduate. One of the country’s foremost public interest law and policy centers, BPI strives to advance equity, opportunity and justice in the Chicago region by addressing the challenges of urban poverty, increasing housing and educational opportunity, building vital communities, and improving Illinois’ criminal justice system.
Fellows receive an attractive salary and benefits (including school loan repayment assistance, based on need).
Business and Professional People for the Public Interest (BPI), a Chicago-based nonprofit law and policy center, seeks a recent law or public policy graduate to serve as the Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellow for one year, beginning in Summer or Fall 2020.
The Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellowship offers Fellows the opportunity to develop the experience, skills and network critical to a rewarding career in public interest advocacy. Fellows have gone on to pursue successful careers in affordable housing law, legal aid, civil rights advocacy, non-profit leadership and government.
Since its founding in 1969, BPI has worked to create a just society. Today BPI strives to advance equity, opportunity and justice in the Chicago region by addressing the challenges of urban poverty, increasing housing and educational opportunity, building vital communities, and improving Illinois’ criminal justice system. Considered one of Chicago’s most tenacious and versatile advocates for the public interest, BPI’s lawyers and policy specialists engage in legal and policy research, advocacy, organizing, litigation, and collaboration with nonprofit, community, business, academic, and governmental organizations. BPI is a recipient of the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.
REQUIREMENTS of the Fellowship are:
• Either a JD or MA/MS in public policy or related field (by Fellowship start)
• Demonstrated interest or experience in one of BPI’s program areas
• Accomplished oral and writing skills
• Strong academic record
• Initiative, creativity and flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations, constituent groups, government agencies, and civic leaders
Fellows receive an annual salary of $52,000 with medical and dental coverage.
Debt service on law school or graduate school loans for the duration of the
Fellowship may be available, based on need.
Send résumé, writing sample, references and a cover letter detailing interest in the position by Friday, October 11, 2019 to fellowships@bpichicago.org or via postal mail (postmarked by October 11, 2019) to:
Business and Professional People for the Public Interest
Polikoff–Gautreaux Fellowship
25 East Washington Street, Suite 1515
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-641-5570
www.bpichicago.org
BPI is an equal opportunity employer. Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.p.
Please note that we are especially encouraging persons of color to apply for this Fellowship and would appreciate your assistance in attracting these candidates. Please feel free to contact Paula Kruger at (312) 641-5570 (ext. 241) or fellowships@bpichicago.org with any questions about the Fellowship, BPI, or the application process.