Why our law clerk internships matter

“When law clerks walk through our doors,

they quickly learn that every case is a real person who we are helping make whole again.”  

- Attorney Howard Ankin

We've had a robust year-round internship program for years, but every spring we welcome the largest number of law clerks - 10 to 15 students from Chicago’s top schools into our firm. This year we have 13 students joining us for the summer. Possible one more, as I am proud that my son Myles was recently accepted to the University of Illinois. These students don’t just run errands but are provided real world training that allows them to jump in and gain experience working on real cases. These students learn from our talented attorneys and staff how to draft motions, answer discovery, and obtain medical records, bills, and other vital documents. Generally, these students are trained how to advocate for clients. Most importantly, they witness first-hand what it means to practice law with compassion and purpose. Many students coming out of the Ankin Law Summer Internship Program go on to very successful careers and remain resources to our office. Many have told us having Ankin Law on their resume has led to great success in their interview process. We look to have our most special students develop through the ranks and are proud that several of our partners here started as law clerks. 

Over the last 28 years our attorneys and staff have helped thousands of injured people across Chicago, Illinois, and beyond. The Ankin Law Summer Internship Program has grown to impact on the next generation of lawyers and civic leaders.

Injury Law Made Personal – That’s Ankin Law. Our law clerking system has students leaving our office in the fall with the understanding that behind every case is a person whose life matters and needs help. Often, help to the family is the upside of making the difference for our injured client. Whether it’s a workplace injury, car accident, medical mistake, or slip and fall, our clients come to us when they’re most vulnerable. They see how powerful it is to help someone who might feel powerless. Working with me and some of the best personal injury attorneys and staff, our law clerks gain more than just legal experience—they leave with the mindset and heart of an advocate.

Our clerkships aren’t just about building skills—they’re about building purpose. At Ankin Law, we don’t see people as case numbers. We see neighbors, family members, and hardworking Illinoisans who deserve justice. Learning on the job and making a real impact? That’s Ankin Law. - Howard



His voice is synonymous with sporting events around Chicago, from old Chicago Stadium to Allstate Arena, Comiskey Park to Wrigley Field.

If you’ve been to a sporting event, it’s likely you’ve heard the National Anthem sung by Wayne Messmer. It’s a song that’s treasured by this native of Chicago’s southwest side – and one that was nearly taken away. You can learn more about Wayne in this edition of “Chicagoans You Should Know” in the video.

Watch Wayne

Investigating Mass Torts

Video Game Addiction

Ankin Law is actively seeking individuals affected by video game addiction to join a mass tort action against major gaming companies. Recent lawsuits allege that developers intentionally designed games like Fortnite, Roblox, and Call of Duty to be addictive, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation among players. Internet Gaming Disorder is recognized by the “World Health Organization” (WHO) and is part of the American Psychiatric Association's “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5-TR). Note that DSM-5-TR lists Internet Gaming Disorder in the same category as substance addiction disorders including alcohol, tobacco, stimulants, marijuana and opioids as well as Gambling disorder.

The games are designed to intentionally create addictive habits in their users, particularly children. Up to 10% of the U.S. population may suffer from video game addiction/Gaming Disorder.

While there is no set daily amount of time one must spend playing video games to qualify as an addiction, generally those addicted to video gaming spend 8-10 hours per day or more than 30 hours per week playing video games.

Signs/symptoms:

1. Poor performance at work, school, or performing household responsibilities
2. Loss of interest in school, hobbies, or relationships (prioritizing gaming over other interests)
3. Decreased social life
4. Increased depression, stress, or anxiety
5. Playing video games to escape the pressures of stress or anxiety.
6. Lying about or hiding gaming habits
7. Physical issues such as headaches, eye strain, or sleep problems
8. Withdrawal symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, or irritability, when gaming isn’t possible.
9. A decline in personal hygiene or grooming due to excessive video gaming

Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of gaming addiction or disorder by a psychologist or psychiatrist
2. Documented psychological, behavioral, or social harm
3. A demonstrated connection between the harm and specific video games such as Minecraft, Fortnite, Roblox, Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto and others
4. Is currently a minor or was a minor when the addiction began
5. Evidence of long-term consequences (e.g., psychological therapy, loss of education, drop in grades, suspension, or expulsion from school, family strain, and/or job loss)

You may be eligible for compensation if you or someone you know has experienced negative consequences due to excessive gaming. To explore your legal options and participate in holding these companies accountable, contact Ankin Law for a confidential consultation at 312.600.0000.

Ankin Law Summer Party at River Roast

A little rain and cool breezes didn't slow down attorneys, staff, and friends and the Ankin Law summer party on the

water at River Roast. Watch party highlights here

Do you have a case? We're here to help. Call Ankin Law at 312.600.0000 for a Free Consultation.