Legal Fellow (Unclassified)

The City of Cincinnati Legal Fellowship is an opportunity for a recent law school graduate with a strong interest in local government and public interest to gain hands-on practical experience over the course of a year during which they can hone their practical legal skills in a unique and exciting legal environment.  

Interested candidates should attach their resume and letter of interest with their online application.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The individual selected as the City of Cincinnati Legal Fellow will have the opportunity to enhance their legal experience and skill sets while exploring their interests and working with a wide variety of experienced attorney mentors across various divisions in the City of Cincinnati Solicitor’s Office.  Some of the available areas of practice for the Legal fellow include drafting legislation and legal opinions, assisting our civil litigation and criminal prosecution teams, and engaging in contract and public records review.  The Legal Fellow position is a one-year experience and preference will be given to candidates able to commit to the entire period.  

The nature of the assigned work will be based on the successful candidate’s areas of interest and/or organizational need. Candidates should have the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.  A successful candidate will have a demonstrated interest in public service and be able to perform work in an environment in which most communications and records are subject to the attorney-client privilege.   

For inquiries, please contact Lisa Kunz, Law Department, Room 214, City Hall, 801 Plum Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Lisa.Kunz@cincinnati-oh.gov

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.

• Assist City attorneys in preparation for trial and hearings in areas including civil rights, affordable housing, and personal injury litigation;
• Assist with the City’s legislative, contractual, and legal opinion needs related to legal assistance needed by the City’s elected officials, the City Administration, and City multiple departments, including Economic Development, Planning & Engagement, Human Resources, Health, Economic Inclusion, Finance, Environment & Sustainability, Parks, Greater Cincinnati Water Works, and the Police and Fire Departments; 
• Under supervision of an assigned attorney mentor, attend City Council meetings, court proceedings, community meetings, labor negotiations, administrative hearings, and other City proceedings as needed;
• Contact City offices, community partners, or community stakeholders on a variety of public-policy related initiatives to assist with legal issues related to City programs or operations;
• Revise or update forms or existing records as needed by various sections of the office;
• Access and maintain files of confidential or restricted information.

In order to qualify for the Law Fellow annual internship, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a non-citizen with proof of eligibility to work in the United States;
• Have graduated from an accredited law school, however, successful passage of a state bar exam is not a requirement;
• Submit a City job application for employment.

Environmental Conditions: Work in an office setting plus remote work; exposure to computer screens; need to work closely with others and engage with members of the public.

Physical Conditions: Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; lifting and carrying light loads; use of fingers and of both hands required; must be able to distinguish colors.