Legal Internship

Location: Multiple locations throughout New York State

Base Salary: $30.00 hourly
Classification: Full-time - Temporary (June 7, 2027 to July 30, 2027)

About the role

The mission of the NYS Unified Court System is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before the courts. To promote civic education and readiness, we have developed an Internship Program for motivated and hardworking law students. Interns are provided the opportunity to integrate classroom education and theory with practical and relevant career experience, gaining insight into the work of judges, attorneys, court clerks, court reporters, court officers, interpreters, and other professionals while receiving hands-on experience in the work of the courts.

Responsibilities

• Assist with legal research and writing tasks, including drafting memoranda, opinions, and other legal documents.
• Observe oral arguments and trials in courts.
• Participate in case preparation and review, assisting judges and court staff with research and analysis of legal issues.
• Attend hearings and trials to gain exposure to legal proceedings at various levels of the judicial system.
• Collaborate with court staff to assist in ongoing cases and legal matters.
• Provide general support to the court’s operations and participate in any additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have successfully completed one or two years of study in a J.D. program at an accredited law school by the start of the internship; LL.M students at accredited law schools are also eligible.
• Candidates should have an interest in working and learning about the justice system and/or legal profession.
• Students who are economically disadvantaged or come from under-served communities are encouraged to apply.
• Family members of judges and court employees are not eligible for the Program.

Schedule

The Program will run from June 7, 2027 through July 30, 2027.

Locations

Interns will be assigned to a District Office (Albany, Malta, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Buffalo, White Plains, Mineola, and Central Islip), or a Chief Clerk’s Office in one of NYC’s five boroughs.

About the Program

The Student Aide Internship Program is intentionally designed to create access for young people who have had little or no prior exposure to the court system. We therefore prioritize applicants who do not have direct personal connections to the courts. Interns are selected based on their ideas, initiative, and enthusiasm. This Program aims to open doors and to advance personal and professional development, regardless of background or existing networks.