LEGAL INTERN

At ADEQ our mission/vision is to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona through consistent, science-based environmental regulation; clear, equitable engagement and communication; with integrity, respect, and the highest standards of effectiveness and efficiency; and because Arizonans treasure the unique environment of our state and its essential role in sustaining well-being and economic vitality, today and for future generations.

The Office of Administrative Counsel for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is seeking applicants for two paid legal internships for summer 2026. These internships are an exciting opportunity for law students to learn how the in-house counsel’s office for the Agency helps drive the ADEQ mission: protecting and enhancing public health and the environment.

Please provide a cover letter.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Duties

Intern Project/Outcome Expected from the Intern:

• Legal research, analysis, and writing.
• Enforcement case development.
• Rule development including drafting and stakeholder engagement.
• Standard work development for process improvements
• Opportunity to attend field trips, work with the air, water and waste programs, interact with the Attorney General’s Office, and complete the summer with several polished writing samples and at least one formal presentation before ADEQ leadership.

Salary

• $25/hour

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

The intern will bring the following to the internship:

• A high level of attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, meet deadlines, and assist with multiple projects.
• Completed Legal Writing and Research course work.
• Completed Constitutional Law course work.
• Completed Civil Procedure course work.
• Environmental law preferred.
• Proficiency in computer software programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.

The intern will gain experience in the following from this internship:

• Gain valuable experience and knowledge in a regulatory state agency.
• Learn about federal and state environmental law and policy.
• Learn about permitting and enforcement under federal and state environmental laws.
• Develop skills in legal research, analysis, and writing in environmental law and other areas of law, such as administrative law.
• Develop professional skills in leadership, effective team work, communication, and management tools within a regulatory environment.
• Interact with Attorney General’s Office’s Environmental Enforcement Section.

Selective Preference(s)

• Candidate must be currently enrolled in a JD or LLM program.
• Candidate must have a GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Candidate must have the right to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship.

Other Information

Pre-Employment Requirements

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

How to Apply

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting HPO@azdeq.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Benefits

Transit

• Capitol Rideshare -capitolridesshare.az.gov
  • Perks for using alternate transportation, discounted transit passes, vanpools, and free parking at state facilities where you work.

Retirement

N/A