Paid Summer Internship for Undergrads w/Watertown Office

Regional Offices Division

Watertown Regional Office

Student Assistant

Reference No. WTR_PUGS_SUM_2026

Paid Summer Placement for Undergraduate Students | Application Deadline is February 27, 2026*

The Office of the New York State Attorney General's (OAG) Watertown Regional Office is seeking bright, hard-working, and motivated undergraduate students with a genuine interest in public service for a paid placement during the 2026 Summer Program.

The selected students will focus on a specific topic of interest to OAG and will manage all aspects of that project. Project assignments will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Completing legal and policy analysis projects on the selected topics;
• Interviewing and networking with a wide range of community members related to the designated topic; 
• Organizing and presenting community interviews in a digestible format;
• Performing community outreach and investigating; and
• Researching, writing, and presenting briefing memo and policy paper.

Applicants must have excellent attention to detail, as well as excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills. Proficiency with technology is preferred. Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working in groups will be valuable. An interest in social justice is preferred.

Summer Program Details

• The format of this placement is hybrid or remote. Please review the following for more information about both format options.
• Hybrid Placements: Students report to their designated workstation two or three (2-3) days per week. On the days students work remotely, they need a reliable computer, a secure internet connection, a phone, and a sufficiently quiet and private workspace to telework.
• Remote Placements: Students telecommute for the duration of their placements. On the days students work remotely, they need a reliable computer, a secure internet connection, a phone, and a sufficiently quiet and private workspace to telework. Please be advised, students hired for remote, paid placements must be available to complete their payroll onboarding paperwork in-person at OAG’s offices in Albany or New York City or at one of the 13 regional office locations.
• At the time students receive and accept a paid placement offer, they must provide written documentation demonstrating they are full-time students in good academic standing as defined by their schools. Applications from students who will be starting college/university during the 2026 fall semester will not be considered.
• The summer program will run for eight weeks from May 18 – July 10, 2026. Students hired for the program must be available to work full-time (37.5 hours/week) during these dates and for the entire eight (8) weeks of the program.
• The selected student will be hired as a student assistant and paid the undergraduate hourly pay rate of $16.39.
• *Applications are accepted online until February 27, 2026, and paid placement offers are made on a rolling basis.
• United States (U.S.) citizenship and New York state residency are not required, but applicants must be eligible to be employed in the U.S.
• Applicants are encouraged to learn more about OAG bureaus and regional offices prior to submitting their applications by reviewing information that is available on the public website.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

The OAG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity.

How to Apply

The following section provides detailed information about the application process and application requirements. Please review the complete list of instructions prior to preparing and submitting your application materials online.

• Applications for summer placements must be submitted online. To apply, please click the following link: 

ag.ny.gov/job-postings/undergraduate-graduate-students

• Applications are submitted separately for each bureau/regional office, and an applicant’s candidacy for each application is determined separately by each bureau/regional office.
• Please limit your application submissions to three (3) total across all bureaus/regional offices.
• *Applications are accepted online until February 27, 2026, and paid placement offers are made on a rolling basis.
• The following four (4) documents must be submitted with your application:

Your documents should reflect your own thoughts/work product in text that was written by you. Do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate application documents. Once submitted, you will not be able to access or edit your application. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to have someone review/proofread your documents ahead of submitting your application online.

1. Cover Letter

• You may address your letter to the Legal Recruitment Unit.
• Indicate why you are interested in a placement with OAG and what makes you a strong candidate.
• You may wish to include information about what life experiences you will bring to the position that will enhance OAG’s ability to serve the diverse population of this state.
• Please indicate your format preference: hybrid or remote.

1. Resume

• Ensure your resume is complete and current prior to submitting your application.

1. Reference List

• Submit a list of three (3) professional references (i.e., supervisor or professor).
• For each reference, indicate the nature and duration of your relationship.
• Include contact information and email addresses for each reference.
• Please note that your references will not be contacted until after you interview for the placement.

1. Writing Sample

• Submit a paper completed for school or a writing sample that was prepared for a job or during an internship/externship.
• Submit a sample that demonstrates your ability to analyze and organize information into an effective document.
• We recommend submitting a sample that is 2-4 pages in length.
• If needed, please include a cover page providing the reviewer with any relevant background information or context.
• Failure to submit a complete application will delay the consideration of your candidacy.
• If a bureau wishes to schedule an interview, they will contact you directly to arrange this meeting.

If you have questions about a placement with OAG, the application process, or need assistance with submitting your application, please contact Legal Recruitment via email at recruitment@ag.ny.gov.