TWC Law Clerk - Intern - Office of General Counsel

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Office of General Counsel (OGC), is seeking two Legal Interns for our 2025 Summer Internship Program (SIP). This ten (10) week internship opportunity will provide a broad view of the legal roles within OGC. The program will also include opportunities to network with TWC interns in other divisions throughout the summer.

Who We Are:

The Texas Workforce Commission is a dynamic state agency with over 4500 employees helping the state's economy grow by connecting people with jobs.

OGC supports the Commission and agency staff by providing legal services to foster sound decision-making in all areas of operation. These services include advice and client support for legal issues relating to litigation, contracts, policymaking, governance, programs, performance, administrative functions, and services provided by or through the Commission, the local workforce development boards and contractors, as well as agency operations. The Open Records Section coordinates compliance with the Public Information Act and requests for access to TWC information under subpoenas and governmental requests for information.

Commission Appeals, a specialized legal team within OGC, assists the three Commissioners by providing summaries of informal administrative hearings related to Unemployment Benefits, Wage Claims, and other programs, and making recommendations for case resolution. These legal services work together to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Texas Workforce Commission in its mission of supporting the state's workforce.

What You'll Do:

TWC legal internships offer real-life experience in public service. Below is a sample of responsibilities for the position.
 

·        Conduct legal research

·        Review and analyze legal documents, records, and other information

·        Draft substantive legal documents, including opinions, briefs, contracts, and memoranda

·        Assist attorneys in preparing matters for trial, hearings, or mediation

·        Assist attorneys in providing guidance to agency staff

·        Research current legal developments and present findings orally or in writing

·        Participate in conferences and/or meetings and make presentations

·        Summarize relevant facts and make timely recommendations for the resolution cases.

·        Ensure that recommendations conform to existing law, including TUCA, Texas Payday law and Commission precedent.

·        Prepare correspondence related to such cases.

·        Other duties that align with the interests of the intern

The internship is full-time (40 hours per week) and will run from June 2, 2025, through mid-August 2025. The internship will be hybrid with a mix of telework and in-office work. Interns will be required to work on-site several days per week to attend various meetings, trainings, make presentations, etc. The work location is 101 E. 15th Street in Austin, Texas. That's on the north lawn of the Capitol, about four blocks south of the University of Texas.

What You'll Earn:

TWC Internships are full-time, temporary positions that cannot be filled for more than twenty-four weeks. The internship pay is $2,600 per month at full-time status and comes with some benefits.  

What You'll Learn:

Interns can expect to walk away with a broad view of the work performed by attorneys in OGC and other areas within TWC. They will also leave with hands-on experience in several different areas of the law.

What You Need to Get Hired:

This is an exciting opportunity for law school students who have an interest in or want to learn more about the legal roles of attorneys within a Texas governmental agency. Interns must also meet the following requirements.  

·        Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of GED certification.

·        Proof of enrollment in an ABA accredited law school.

·        Skill in operating computers and applicable software.

·        Effective oral and written communication

·        Ability to work well and collaborate with others in a team environment.

·        Knowledge of general legal principles, practices and proceedings.

·        Ability to identify, analyze interpret, and apply relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

·        Ability to conduct research and summarize findings.

·        Ability to maintain confidentiality of material and information.

WHERE TO APPLY:

Submit a resume via the Texas Internship Challenge website.

The deadline for internship applications will be Friday, February 28, 2025.

Top candidate interviews will be conducted by Friday, March 30, 2025.

Hiring manager decisions will be made by Friday, April 18, 2025.

The summer internships will run approximately June 2, 2025 to August 8, 2025.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who requires sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas 

A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042