Internship/ 40 hours per weekHourly Rate: $20.00GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES Performs intermediate professional and responsible administrative work in assisting with legal research, drafting documents, and supporting the Legal Department in a variety of municipal legal matters.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS An employee in this class serves in a supportive capacity to the City Attorney and other staff within the Legal Department. Work involves assisting in the preparation of legal documents, conducting research on municipal and administrative law topics, reviewing contracts and ordinances, and supporting compliance efforts. This position requires a high level of confidentiality, discretion, and attention to detail. The Legal Intern will be exposed to a broad range of legal issues affecting local government operations. Under the general supervision and direction of the City Attorney, work is evaluated through observation, quality of work product, adherence to deadlines, and overall contribution to the department’s objectives. Normal office hours are usually maintained; however, occasional schedule adjustments may be required in accordance with operational needs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda on a variety of municipal legal issues.
- Assists in the drafting and review of ordinances, contracts, resolutions, and other legal documents.
- Assists with records requests, litigation support, and code enforcement matters.
- Monitors relevant federal, state, and local legislation and case law.
- Supports the preparation of materials for hearings, council meetings, and administrative processes.
- Attends legal meetings, training sessions, and briefings as required.
- Maintains confidentiality and adheres to ethical and professional standards in all matters.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES- Working knowledge of legal research techniques and legal terminology.
- General understanding of municipal law, including open meetings, public records, contracts, land use, and administrative procedures.
- Ability to perform detailed legal research and summarize findings clearly and concisely.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents to specific situations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAININGCurrent enrollment in an accredited law school as a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-year law student is
required. Experience or coursework in municipal law, administrative law, or public policy is desirable. Previous internships or work experience in a legal or government setting is a plus.
JOB RELATED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, speak in order to vocally communicate ideas or information, and hear to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to walk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. While this work primarily involves sedentary work in an office environment, the employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds or be subject to the elements of other worksites.
