Legal Intern

NOTICE TO APPLICANT

This position will close at 12:00AM MST on the End Date. 

You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc.

Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation.

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY.  Provide legal support under the direct supervision of attorneys and paralegals. Work closely with the legal department to support the legal needs of the County. Assist with research, drafting, and review of documents while gaining practical experience in public sector law and case management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES. 

1. Legal Research and Writing

Conduct legal research under attorney direction.

Draft correspondence, memoranda, summaries, and written responses for attorney review.

Review documents for legal sufficiency and accuracy.

Provide feedback on legal issues presented for upcoming Board of County Commissioner meetings.

2. Client and Attorney Support

Attend client interviews, hearings, or meetings with attorney approval.

Take notes and prepare summaries of meetings or proceedings.

Gather background information from clients and staff as directed.

May shadow attorneys in court and assist with litigation preparation.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES.  Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS.

A.  Education.  Completion of a minimum of one (1) year of law school at an accredited institution and current enrollment in a Juris Doctor program.

B.  Experience.  N/A

C.  Education/Experience substitution. N/A

D.  Licenses/Certifications.

E.  Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background check and driving record check. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of:

• Basic legal principles and procedures learned in law school.

• Legal research methods and resources, including online databases.

• Legal writing standards and citation formats.

Skill in:

• Conducting thorough and accurate legal research.

• Drafting clear, concise, and well-organized written documents.

• Communicating effectively with attorneys, staff, and department leaders.

• Managing time, meeting deadlines, and handling multiple assignments.

Ability to:

• Review documents for accuracy and completeness.

• Summarize complex information in a clear and understandable manner.

• Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and County leadership.

• Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of legal matters.

• Adapt to a professional legal office environment and accept constructive feedback.

Compensation Range

$23.53 - $38.19

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.