Applications for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 are OPEN!
The Milwaukee Justice Center (MJC) is now accepting applications for our 2026–2027 Academic Year AmeriCorps Program (September 2026–May 2027) and Fall 2026 Family Forms Internship (September-December 2026)!
MJC AmeriCorps Courthouse Navigators help improve access to justice by supporting courthouse navigation and client services. Courthouse Navigators assist self-represented litigants with the multi-step, multi-building filing process, staff courthouse information booths, provide legal information through the MJC Civil Legal Helpline, and support projects that make the Milwaukee County Courthouse Complex more accessible.
MJC Family Forms interns work one-on-one with self-represented litigants in Milwaukee County under the supervision of an attorney. Interns assist with client interviews, reviewing court records, completing court forms, and troubleshooting case-related issues.
We have streamlined the application process for both opportunities. The application portal allows applicants to review the differences between the AmeriCorps positions and the internship, including pay, time commitment, and scheduling expectations, and apply for one or both opportunities.
Applications are open June 12–July 10, 2026, click the button below to apply!
About the MJC | AmeriCorps Program:
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The Milwaukee Justice Center’s Courthouse Navigator program, served by AmeriCorps Volunteers, is crucial in supporting the Milwaukee County community. Imagine yourself assisting individuals arriving at the courthouse who are overwhelmed by the legal process and unsure of where to turn for guidance. As a member of the Courthouse Navigator program, you would serve as the cornerstone of knowledge inside the courthouse walls. Whether someone needs directions to a specific courtroom or assistance navigating the complexities of their legal proceedings, you can make referrals and provide support - ensuring equal access to justice.
Your typical day as a Courthouse Navigators at the Milwaukee Justice Center (MJC) program can vary widely. You might find yourself serving at the information booths, fielding inquiries from individuals who are not sure what their next steps are, or assisting our clinics directly by working hands-on with clients to ensure they complete the filing process. The variety of tasks ensures that each day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of community members. |
An MJC | AmeriCorps member welcoming youths to the Milwaukee County Courthouse's Take a Child to Work Day
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Across the 2023-2024 program year, MJC | AmeriCorps assisted more than 24,000 individuals with various inquiries and navigated 690 MJC clients, increasing their confidence concerning filing processes by 86%.
Beyond these achievements, the program has extended its reach through collaborative initiatives to create a better community. This past Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on the heels of a subzero blizzard, MJC | AmeriCorps members partnered with City Year Milwaukee and braved the elements to paint and renovate the Lloyd Barbee Montessori School in alignment with AmeriCorps’ Day of National Service. The MJC | AmeriCorps team also proudly participated in the "September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance" by hosting a Diaper Drive, collecting 1,171 donated diapers and packing 5,019 additional diapers for the United Way Diaper Bank. These endeavors broaden the program's scope and reinforce its commitment to community engagement and service.
Beyond these achievements, the program has extended its reach through collaborative initiatives to create a better community. This past Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on the heels of a subzero blizzard, MJC | AmeriCorps members partnered with City Year Milwaukee and braved the elements to paint and renovate the Lloyd Barbee Montessori School in alignment with AmeriCorps’ Day of National Service. The MJC | AmeriCorps team also proudly participated in the "September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance" by hosting a Diaper Drive, collecting 1,171 donated diapers and packing 5,019 additional diapers for the United Way Diaper Bank. These endeavors broaden the program's scope and reinforce its commitment to community engagement and service.
MJC | AmeriCorps members painting at Lloyd Barbee Montessori School during AmeriCorps' MLK Day of National Service.
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MJC | AmeriCorps team packing diapers at the United Way Diaper Bank during September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
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The foundation of our success is in large part due to the commitment of our AmeriCorps volunteers. Their shared experiences, collaboration, and mutual learning, position our members to provide an enhanced quality of support and assistance to guests of the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
Through their service in the MJC | AmeriCorps program, members gain problem solving skills, develop leadership qualities, and contribute to making access to justice a reality in Milwaukee County. With opportunities to engage with legal professionals, offer vital services to those in need, and make a tangible difference in people's lives, AmeriCorps volunteers are crucial in advancing access to justice and building a stronger, more equitable community. Embrace this call to action and seize your opportunity to contribute to your community through the MJC | AmeriCorps program.
Unfortunately, in 2025, due to the cuts by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) the Milwaukee Justice Center | AmeriCorps Courthouse Navigator program was defunded and AmeriCorps members had to be let go. However, an injunction from a federal court ruled that AmeriCorps programs would get their funding back and our Courthouse Navigators have since returned!
Through their service in the MJC | AmeriCorps program, members gain problem solving skills, develop leadership qualities, and contribute to making access to justice a reality in Milwaukee County. With opportunities to engage with legal professionals, offer vital services to those in need, and make a tangible difference in people's lives, AmeriCorps volunteers are crucial in advancing access to justice and building a stronger, more equitable community. Embrace this call to action and seize your opportunity to contribute to your community through the MJC | AmeriCorps program.
Unfortunately, in 2025, due to the cuts by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) the Milwaukee Justice Center | AmeriCorps Courthouse Navigator program was defunded and AmeriCorps members had to be let go. However, an injunction from a federal court ruled that AmeriCorps programs would get their funding back and our Courthouse Navigators have since returned!
MJC | AmeriCorps Program Impact
MJC | AmeriCorps Courthouse Navigator cohort (2023-2024 & 2024-2025)
The members had a significant impact on the clients of the MJC and the staff of the Courthouse. Here are some comments that have been made:
“Benjamin was very knowledgeable and experience in his job, very friendly guy”
-MJC Client comment about an AmeriCorps member
“Henry was very professional and extremely nice”
-MJC Client comment about an AmeriCorps member
"We had a pro se litigant that was being helped by a volunteer name Tholia and I am just blown away how ABSOLUTELY AWESOME Tholia was. Typically the volunteers come up to the Court and seem to give off a deer in headlights look, which is often times very unhelpful. However, Tholia tremendously helped the elderly litigant and both myself and the Judge was absolutely impressed."
-Courts Clerk commenting on an AmeriCorps member's service
‘Cathrine is so great!”
-MJC Client comment about an AmeriCorps member
“I had the best experience with Mr. Warren very helpful and professional I’m thankful"
-MJC Client comment about an AmeriCorps member
MJC | AmeriCorps Position Description:About the MJC | AmeriCorps Courthouse Navigator Program:AmeriCorps Courthouse Navigators are part of national services collaborating with the AmeriCorps Program Coordinator and other AmeriCorps Volunteers to accomplish program goals. Service must be performed in person at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
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MJC | AmeriCorps Member Position Minimum Qualifications:
- 18 years or older, U.S. Citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States with a high school diploma/GED or working toward completion of a high school diploma/GED
- Commitment to community service & ability to provide continuous service for the entirety of your selected service slot
- Ability to learn and attend all Milwaukee Justice Center trainings
- Ability to work with a diverse team and diverse clientele
- AmeriCorps Members must have the ability to clear the National Service Criminal History Check
- The Members will be on-site at the Milwaukee County Courthouse for service and training
- The capability to travel long distances across the Courthouse campus repeatedly throughout the day is preferable
- Previous law experience not required.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
- Good organizational skills and capacity to follow through with assigned tasks
- Present oneself with a high level of professionalism with guests, peers, court staff, and supervisors
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and stressful environment
- Provides legal information to courthouse guests regarding various legal issues relating to civil, criminal, and municipal courts
- AmeriCorps Members can give legal information (i.e. procedures for filing legal forms); Members CAN NOT give legal advice (i.e. Members can not tell a litigant what to say/do in court [pursuant to Wisconsin SCR 70.41 (Assistance to Court Users])
- Assist in the transitioning of the self-represented individual(s) from the MJC clinics into the Navigator Program
- Help MJC guests to achieve a high level of confidence in the next steps of their filing process
- Show MJC guests when and where their court date will be, and where the Information Desk is if they should have further questions; provide clients with a sense of familiarity with the Courthouse building and locations
- Conduct client surveys and respond to follow-up emails from the self-represented individual(s)
- Helps track program-related data; data entry and analysis for MJC clinics
- Aids in the management of MJC/Courthouse client waiting area while maintaining fire and building codes; help clients with MJC online sign-in process
- Graphic arts projects: creating filing instructions; translating legal information; writing and publishing quarterly newsletters; creating signage to help direct/inform courthouse guests of resources, departments, services, and courthouse locations; support in the formatting of standardized forms
- Assist the AmeriCorps Team Leads, Program Coordinator, and Milwaukee Justice Center to meet organizational goals including working in self-help services as needed
AmeriCorps Volunteers are eligible for loan forbearance and some, or all, of the interest accrued may be paid on qualifying student loans upon successful completion; members will receive training and professional development opportunities. Potentially eligible for additional benefits.
AmeriCorps, the Milwaukee Bar Association, and Milwaukee Justice Center provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
AmeriCorps, the Milwaukee Bar Association, and Milwaukee Justice Center provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
WE WANT YOU AS AN AMERICORPS VOLUNTEER!
BECOME A CHAMPION FOR JUSTICE!
JOIN US AND HELP US GET THINGS DONE FOR THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY!
Proud Grantee of AmeriCorps