Legal Externs Spring 2027 - Justice Patrick F. Fischer

Organization: Supreme Court of Ohio. Work Location: 65 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Compensation: Unpaid externship. Schedule: Permanent full‑time, hybrid or virtual Monday–Friday. 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

Externship with Justice Patrick F. Fischer (1–2 positions for Spring 2027).

• Write one to two jurisdictional memoranda for Justice Fischer every two weeks.
• Research any issues requested by Justice Fischer or judicial attorneys.
• Participate in weekly office Zoom meetings (typically Thursday afternoons and Monday mornings, depending on Justice Fischer’s availability).
• Optional: attend oral arguments in Columbus.
• Communication via Zoom, Teams, phone, email, and text.
• Disclose any other employment for conflict‑of‑interest evaluation.
• Commit between 10 and 20 hours per week, with flexibility but availability during traditional 8 a.m.–5 p.m. workday for feedback and meetings; schedule cannot be evenings and weekends only.
• Ability to work remote, hybrid, or in office (Columbus).

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 writing skills.

Benefits

State of Ohio benefits for eligible employees include:

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off (vacation, personal, sick leave) and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave