Legal Intern

Position Summary

Provides administrative assistance, legal research and writing support to attorneys in the City Attorney’s Office with the purpose of gaining knowledge in civil law or criminal law prosecution. May conduct online municipal code and ordinance research, draft memoranda, attend meetings, communicate with other city staff, perform data entry, assist prosecution staff, and support the attorneys/prosecutors and Risk Manager with their duties, as directed by the City Attorney or her designee.

Essential Functions (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list of tasks is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class).

High School Senior:

1. Performs municipal code or ordinance research under the direction of various City attorneys using both computer and manual resources.
2. Shadows and observe City attorneys in municipal meetings or in court hearings.
3. Assists in a variety of department operations by performing duties related to special projects, assignments, as well as research and compilation of documentation.
4. Performs other related duties as required.

College/University/Law Student:

1. Drafts responses to motions by reading motions, searching for similar responses and case laws, making changes, and contacting the police department, attorneys and other agencies. 
2. Draft appeals and responses by reading documents, researching files, books, computer, and making phone calls.
3. May perform related duties by interviewing clients and witnesses, providing translation or interpretation and making field investigations and/or taking photographs.
4. Drafts legal memorandum and maintains records by retrieving pertinent records for cases and checking for accuracy.
5. Assists in a variety of department operations by performing duties related to special projects, assignments, as well as research and compilation of documentation
6. Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Physical/Mental Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment with comfortable working conditions working with computers and office equipment. Handling of light weights. May include sitting for extended periods of time, standing, and walking. Considerable exposure to stressful situations because of human behavior, a large workload and continually recurring deadlines. Contact with defendants, witnesses, victims, police officers, attorneys, and the public, in person and over the telephone.

Qualifications

Education: High school students must be in their senior year. College students must have current enrollment in an accredited college, university, or law school seeking a juris doctor degree, and have completed at a minimum the freshman (college/university) or 1L (law school) year. Must be in good standing and not on academic or other probation.

Experience: Entry level position with no prior experience required (high school). Demonstrated positive work experience with no terminations for cause (college/university/law school). Volunteer service and community involvement a plus.

Duration: Semester.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Utah driver’s license and it must be maintained throughout the internship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and processes for providing customer service.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer programs and equipment.

Ability to:

• Understand the organization and operation of the Legal Department and of outside agencies.
• Understand administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Prepare correspondence and memoranda.
• Maintain effective relationship with those contacted in the scope of work.
• Gain familiarity with and knowledge of court procedures.
• Learn legal research, interview witnesses, and organize information.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain schedules

Additional Internship Information

Applicants must provide transcripts showing proof of academic standing, degree major, and current enrollment at time of application submittal. If hired, applicants must continue to be enrolled and attend school to maintain eligibility for this position. This is a temporary position for the semester. Intern must be available to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and other schedules. Hours may vary depending on the school and department’s internship credit requirement.

Transportation/Housing It is the intern’s responsibility to provide their own transportation to and from work. It is the intern’s responsibility to secure their housing arrangements.

College/University/Law School

The college / university / law school advisor will coordinate with the City of St. George Internship Coordinator to ensure the student’s educational requirements are met. Additionally, the college / university /law school advisor will stay in communication throughout the intern’s session to exchange information and receive regular updates of the interns’ progress. On-site visits are encouraged.

Additional Intern Responsibilities

The Intern will assume their role as a St. George City employee with professionalism and pride. As a representative of St. George City, all interns are expected to:

• Conduct themselves in a professional manner.
• Dress according to department standards.
• Communicate with the Internship Coordinator and supervisor.
• Ask questions and seek guidance.
• Show initiative and creativity by offering ideas and suggestions for improvement.

To Apply: Submit a completed City of St. George Employment Application online at careers.sgcity.org. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Position is open until 11/04/2025 at 5:00 p.m.  Refer questions to Human Resources at 435-627-4670. Pre-employment drug screening and criminal background screen are required. The City of St. George is an inclusive Equal Employment Opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We make reasonable efforts to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled candidates.