Student Aide III (Legal Internship Opportunity)
State of New York See More Job Openings by This Employer
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. To promote civic education and readiness, we have developed an Internship Program for motivated and hardworking law students for internships across New York State. Interns are provided the opportunity to integrate classroom education and theory with practical and relevant career experience. Interns will gain insight regarding the work of judges, attorneys, court clerks, court reporters, court officers, interpreters, and other professionals and receive hands-on experience in the work of the courts.
LOCATION: Multiple positions are available throughout New York State
BASE SALARY: $30.00 Hourly
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time - Temporary (July 6, 2026 to August 12, 2026)
There are multiple opportunities available throughout the state. Interns will be assigned to a District Office (Albany, Schenectady, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Buffalo, White Plains, Mineola, and Central Islip), or a Chief Clerk’s Office in one of NYC’s five boroughs. The Program will run from July 6, 2026 through August 12, 2026. Candidates should have an interest in working and learning about the justice system and/or legal profession. Students who are economically disadvantaged or come from under-served communities are encouraged to apply.
The Student Aide Internship Program is intentionally designed to create access for young people who have had little or no prior exposure to the court system. We therefore prioritize applicants who do not have direct personal connections to the courts. Family members of judges and court employees are not eligible for the Program. Interns are selected based on their ideas, initiative, and enthusiasm. This Program aims to open doors and to advance personal and professional development, regardless of background or existing networks.
Key Responsibilities:
• Assist with legal research and writing tasks, including drafting memoranda, opinions, and other legal documents.
• Observe oral arguments and trials in courts.
• Participate in case preparation and review, assisting judges and court staff with research and analysis of legal issues.
• Attend hearings and trials to gain exposure to legal proceedings at various levels of the judicial system.
• Collaborate with court staff to assist in ongoing cases and legal matters.
• Provide general support to the court’s operations and participate in any additional duties as needed.
- $30/hour
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 ApplyAll 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) and a written statement/essay answering the following prompt (1 page max) to the Hon. Edwina Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives by email to OJI-Applications@nycourts.gov :
•Can you share a personal experience or moment—big or small—that sparked your interest in the law or inspired you to pursue a legal career? What did it teach you about justice, fairness, or advocacy?
