Law Student Intern (Start Date May 2024)

Description

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Performs work under the direct supervision of the City Attorney’s Office. The program goal is to introduce law school students to the various aspects of municipal law. The program is designed to provide student with real experience to enhance their academic and professional endeavors. This is an entry level position that offers the opportunity to gain experience in municipal law assisting with a variety of projects.
SCHEDULE:
Must be available to work Monday - Thursday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., for a minimum of 15 hours per week. Days/hours are subject to change.
Pay Rate: $20.00/hour (subject to negotiation depending on funding and experience of applicant)
Copy of current transcript MUST be included with application in order to verify class standing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Performs research and analysis of complex legal issues.
• Drafts, compiles, proofreads, and revises memoranda of law.
• Attends public meetings as directed, including Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearings, Advisory Board Meetings, and City Commission Meetings and Workshops.
• Assists with drafting pleadings, motions, and other litigation documents.
• Attends internal meetings with City Staff members and assists attorneys as directed.
• Assists with review of internal policies, contracts, resolutions, ordinances, and other documents for legal form and sufficiency.
• Performs other related duties and functions as may be assigned by the City Attorney or designee.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Currently enrolled in law school and completed and passed their 1L Coursework (at minimum) as of January 1, 2024. Intern hours vary according to the needs of the City Attorney's Office. Must be willing to work approximately 15-20 hours a week during the upcoming academic semester. All work will be performed in-person. In addition, applicant must maintain an active status as a Law Student throughout the Internship, and must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and be in good academic standing with a current enrollment status in a law degree-seeking program.
Applicant must have an interest in City, County, and Local Government practice areas.
**For consideration, please attach a cover letter, copy of your resume, and writing sample (five (5) pages or less) to your application.**
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research (Westlaw and Lexus/Nexus).
• Knowledge of the laws within the State of Florida, and any relevant pending legislation.
• Skill in conducting research on complex legal issues and preparing sound legal opinions.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents in resolving complex legal problems.
• Ability to analyze and define problems, identify alternative solutions, estimate consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Skill in Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Skill in providing good customer service and promoting the goals of the City.
• Ability to organize work for timely completion.
• Ability to multi-task while working with tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule.
• Commitment to learn and adhere to all City policies to ensure the highest quality of work offered by the City Attorney’s Office.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
All Interns will be required to pass a background screening, which may include criminal history searches, education verification, etc.

This is a temporary position with no benefits.