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Intern (Legal)

City of Dothan
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This position may be considered for full time employment.


 

Pay Rates vary:

$23.63/hour for first-year law student

$31.50/hour for second- and third-year law student.

 

This is an INTERNSHIP position, and ALL applicants must be registered full time students in law school to apply. 

The Internship Program is designed to be mutually beneficial for the student and the City of Dothan, and while the City considers this program a part of the overall workforce planning system, there can be NO guarantee of full-time employment at the end of the internship.  Funding for this program will be determined annually.

 

The student internship position is a twelve (12) week assignment designed to enrich students through employment opportunities with the City of Dothan. 

 

The intern will complete assigned tasks including, but not limited to, providing program or project support which may include the collection and analysis of data, creation and formal presentations of drafts, reports, proposals, charts, and other financial information.  The intern will operate under the close supervision of a designated supervisor.

 

Major Duties

 

  • Assists in providing legal services in support of the operations of the City of Dothan.

 

  • Researches and assists in drafting legal documents, court motions, ordinances, and memos for and to the various City officials and staff.
     
  • Assists attorneys representing the city in court and before administrative agencies.

 

  • Assists attorneys in preparing cases for trial.
     
  • Assists attorneys representing various City Boards, such as Board of Zoning Adjustments and Planning Commission.
     
  • Supports attorneys in the preparation and management of cases.
     
  • Participates in depositions and witness interviews.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

 

  • Knowledge of Alabama and Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal procedures.

 

  • Knowledge of Alabama and Federal Code.

 

  • Knowledge of City Ordinances.

 

  • Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

 

  • Skill in legal research.

 

  • Skill in problem solving.

 

  • Skill in prioritizing and planning.

 

  • Skill in organizing and presenting facts and evidence at trials.

 

  • Skill in negotiation.

 

  • Skill in communicating ideas effectively to a diverse audience.

 

  • Skill in interpersonal relations.

 

  • Skill in oral and written communication.

 

  • Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

 

  • Ability to use tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgement within established guidelines.

 

  • Ability to research, structure, and draft memos, reports, and legal documents.

 

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

 

The City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, and/or Staff Attorney assign work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the results.

 

GUIDELINES

 

Guidelines include local, state, and federal laws and city and state policies. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. 

 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

 

  • The work consists of varied legal duties. Cases that include complicated facts and wide-ranging issues of law contribute to the complexity of the position.

 

  • The purpose of this position is to participate in the provision of legal services to the City of Dothan. Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of a variety of city operations.

 

CONTACTS

 

  • Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, elected and appointed officials, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, insurance agents and adjusters, business owners, and the public.

 

  • Contacts are typically to provide services; to give or exchange information; to resolve problems; to motivate or influence persons; or to justify, defend or negotiate matters. 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

 

  • The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.

 

  • The work is typically performed in an office.

 

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

 

None.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

  • Graduation from an accredited* college or university with a bachelor's degree; and

     
  • Minimum twenty-four (24) credit hours from an accredited* law school completed by the end of Spring 2026 semester (currently enrolled or within previous 12 months), in pursuit of a Juris Doctorate degree in Law, and

 

  • A 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or better GPA on all completed coursework (provide the last grade report OR a copy of your transcript); and

 

  • Prior work experience, community involvement, or participation in extra-curricular activities.

 

*Accredited through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education (CHEA).


 

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER:

Employees are required to complete/sign the Certification & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer form(s).   [See condition(s) for details.]


NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Possession of valid operator driver license and an acceptable driving record (PBA 09/10/01).

 

Employees are required to complete an Ethical Obligations Agreement (attached).

 

An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.

 

Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).

 

Must meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards which include drug/alcohol testing.


 

Application / Examination

 

Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application.  This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.

 

Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing jobs@dothan.org.

 

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer