Legal Externs Spring 2027 - Justice Daniel R. Hawkins
Supreme Court of Ohio • 65 South Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215 • Contact: Office of Human Resources (Recruiting@sc.ohio.gov)
About the role
The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking 2027 Spring Externs. The majority of the extern’s time will be spent researching, writing, and analyzing legal issues. This may involve the preparation of draft opinions, bench memos and memos discussing discretionary appeals and complaints for writs, speeches, or individualized research projects. The extern will be assigned to a judicial attorney and will have their work reviewed by that attorney. Externs will also be able to observe oral arguments on the merits of cases when the Court is in session.
Responsibilities
- Research, write, and analyze legal issues
- Prepare draft opinions, bench memoranda, and memoranda on discretionary appeals and complaints for writs
- Conduct individualized research projects
- Observe oral arguments when the Court is in session
Justice Daniel R. Hawkins externship (1–2 positions):
- Review and analyze arguments
- Conduct legal research
- Draft jurisdictional and bench memoranda for Justice Hawkins’ review
Qualifications
- Current enrollment in an accredited Juris Doctor (J.D.), Juris Master (J.M.), or Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program
- Ideal candidate is a 2L or 3L with exceptional legal writing skills
Schedule
- Hybrid or virtual, Monday–Friday
- Flexible scheduling; typically 8–10 hours per week
- Permanent, full‑time classification (externship)
Compensation
Unpaid externship ($0 compensation).
Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after eligibility period
- Paid time off (vacation, personal, sick leave) and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
- Education and development opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, etc.)
- Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
Additional information
- Final candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug screening and criminal background check (convictions assessed individually).
- During the externship, externs may not hold any other externship, internship, clerkship, or legal‑related employment (paid or unpaid) without prior written approval.