Rural Pathways Legal Internship

Duties

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. The Third and Fourth Departments are seeking motivated and hardworking law students for summer internships across upstate New York. These positions provide hands-on legal experience and direct exposure to rural legal practice. Interns will rotate through multiple courts and legal offices in rural counties, gaining insight into an array of legal practices.

Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct legal research and writing, including drafting memoranda, opinions, and other legal documents.
• Observe oral arguments, hearings, and trials.
• Assist judges, court staff, and other legal professionals with case preparation, research, and analysis of legal issues.
• Participate in case reviews and ongoing legal matters.
• Collaborate with court staff and provide general support for court operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Multiple positions are available, with interns rotating among various courts and legal placements in rural counties. This internship program is designed to expose law students to rural legal practice, providing valuable experience and encouraging students to consider pursuing a legal career in a rural community, where unique challenges and opportunities abound. The internship program will run for an eight-week period, beginning in early June, and continuing through early August. While not a prerequisite, a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are strongly recommended, as many placements are not accessible by public transit.
Lack of transportation may limit available assignments.

LOCATION: Appellate Divisions, Third and Fourth Departments
Various Upstate Counties

BASE SALARY: $25.00 Hourly

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time - Temporary (8-week commitment beginning in early June and continuing through early August)

Salary

• $25/hour

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.

How to Apply

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: All interested persons meeting the minimum qualifications are encouraged to submit a UCS-5 Application for Employment form (obtainable from any administrative office in a court building or on the web at
www.nycourts.gov/careers/UCS5.pdf), along with a resume, transcript, and cover letter, by email to AD3-Employment@nycourts.gov.

Applicants’ cover letters must demonstrate their interest in practicing law and exploring opportunities in rural upstate New York. Submissions must be applicants’ original work; wholesale use of artificial intelligence tools is not permitted.