Legal Intern

POSITION TITLE:    Summer Legal Intern
DEPARTMENT:    Legal
LOCATION:    Vancouver, WA
REPORTS TO:    Tribal Attorney
STATUS:        Nonexempt, fulltime
WAGE RANGE:    $55 per hour 

Open until filled, first review: 2/24/26

Position Summary: 

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented legal intern to join our legal department for the summer. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic legal environment and work closely with experienced attorneys on a variety of projects. The intern will assist the legal team in supporting the organization's mission by providing legal guidance and support across all departments.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Under the supervision and guidance of our attorneys, the legal intern will perform tasks that may include, but are not limited to: 

• Legal Research and Analysis: Conduct in-depth research on relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and case law.
• Document Drafting: Assist in drafting legal documents such as memoranda, briefs, contracts, agreements, and internal policies.
• Case and Project Management Support: Help organize and analyze case files, discovery materials, pleadings, and exhibits.
• Document Review: Assist in reviewing contracts and other legal documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with internal policies and legal requirements.
• Observation and Meetings: Attend client meetings, internal department meetings, negotiations, administrative proceedings, and court hearings, as appropriate.
• Client Communication: Maintain professional communication with clients, witnesses, and external parties to gather information or facilitate case management when necessary.
• Administrative Support: Provide general administrative assistance to the legal team, such as managing calendars and organizing legal files and databases. 

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Currently enrolled in an institute of higher education pursuing law related, pre-law, or a J.D.
• Strong academic record, with relevant coursework such as legal research and writing, contracts, or administrative law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with familiarity with legal research tools/databases (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw).
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school program and have completed at least one year of law school by the start of the internship.
• Prior work experience in a legal, compliance, or professional office environment.
• Interest in Tribal and Indian law required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Preference will be given to students completing their second year of law school, second level of preference will be to students completing their first year of law school.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands, wrists, and fingers associated with computer equipment. The employee will occasionally walk and stand and reach with arms and hands. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time. Normal visual acuity is required by this job. The position requires occasional lifting of 20 lbs.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in a typical interior/office or courtroom environment. Noise level is usually minimal. Travel within the local communities and in or out of state may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.