Legal Intern -Seasonal (Summer)

SALARY: $25.00 per hour.

SUMMARY Conducts legal research, works closely with the City's attorneys in answering legal questions and advising the City administration and its employees of current legal standards and performs other tasks as assigned. Two positions are available, and one of the positions will be focused on transactional work, supervised by attorneys who work with the Department of Community Investment on redevelopment projects and related topics.

As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are called upon to serve in a manner that supports Our Core Values: Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment as you carry out our primary employee expectations: Champion Values & Organizational Pride, Champion Operational Excellence, Make Sound Decisions, Embrace Coaching and Accountability, Communicate with Excellence, Value Diverse People and Perspectives, Embrace Personal Development, Exhibit a Positive Attitude and Own Your Health, Wellness & Safety

QUALIFICATIONS Aptitude for legal research; excellent writing skills; ability to meet deadlines; knowledge and working use of Westlaw and/or Lexis Nexis.

BENEFITS OF INTERNSHIP Wide range of legal experience tailored to the interests or career goals of each student. Small, friendly office. Expands knowledge of core legal practice areas while providing insight and first-hand experience of government in action and how it affects City residents.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Completion of at least one (1) year of law school. No previous legal employment necessary but preferred.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: (All performed with supervision of attorney)

1. Researches, analyzes, and documents various legal questions pertaining to City issues.
2. Assists in preparing legal opinions and drafting pleadings, and general assistance in litigation.
3. Assists the Claims Administrator in evaluating the legal and factual basis of claims against and on behalf of the City of South Bend.
4. Responds to inquiries regarding the interpretation and enforcement of the South Bend Municipal Code.
5. Works with City departments, boards, and commissions in updating City policies and ordinances.
6. Assists in the collection of fines and investigation of claims against the City.
7. Examines and assists in preparation of property titles, deeds, contracts, and labor agreements for different City departments and boards.
8. Prepares legal documents relating to City-owned property and acquisition of property.
9. Updates office materials.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk, and talk or hear. The employee is required to type, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is typically performed on-site in office settings, generally with moderate inside temperatures; however, occasional field work may be required. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office. The entire office is smoke free.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, veteran's status, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.

DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.

TO APPLY All applications should include a cover letter, resume, and writing sample and be sent to Jenna Throw, City Attorney, at jthrow@southbendin.gov.

REQUIRED Cover Letter, Resume, GPA, Writing Sample, and Pre-Employment Drug Screen