The State's Attorney's Office also has a need for outgoing and talented law students who are interested in getting practical experience in law. Interns of the Madison County State's Attorney's Office get the benefits of practicing law joined with the personal satisfaction of the level of public service they are able to provide. There are three levels of interns accepted: undergraduates, research and 711 interns. For more information about the internship program, contact Stephanie Seehausen at srseehausen@madisoncountyil.gov.

Undergraduate interns

Undergraduate interns are usually in the process of trying to make a decision if law school is the right choice for them. They are allowed to sit in on certain events and usually deal with filings, running to court and helping with the telephones. The program gives them enough exposure to the workings of legal industry to decide if they want to pursue a career in law.

Click here to download an application for Student Internship Program (PDF).

Research interns

Research interns are students who are in their first or second year of law school. Usually, they support the Assistant State's Attorneys, conducting research for them, and they also have the opportunity to write and prepare files for the assistants, help in court and assist with writing motions. Please contact our office for an application.

The 711 interns

The 711 interns are allowed to practice law under the supervision of an attorney. In the Madison County office, they usually deal with misdemeanors, but can also handle child support cases. At this level the interns get the experience of seeing every aspect of a case. 711 interns get the chance to plead a case and deal with everyone involved from defendants and victims, to police officers, judges and defense attorneys. Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, they cover the dockets of traffic, misdemeanor, domestic violence, DUI and orders of protection. Furthermore, the interns can participate in actual bench or jury trials as a lead prosecutor with an Assistant State's Attorney acting as a second chair for the student. When a 711 license is granted, it is valid until the student takes the bar exam. If passed, the license will expire a month later when they are sworn in; if failed, the license is no longer active.

Click here to learn more about 711 eligibility requirements (PDF).

Click here to download an application for the 711 Internship Program (PDF).