Legal Intern

Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Legal Intern to support the managing partner in legal research and drafting briefs, memoranda, and case summaries. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in federal and state criminal defense under the direct supervision of the firm’s owner and lead counsel. The ideal candidate is a current law student or recent graduate with a strong interest in criminal law and trial advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive legal research on federal and Texas criminal statutes, case law, rules of procedure, and sentencing guidelines.
• Draft memoranda, legal briefs, motions, and other supporting documents for active cases.
• Summarize case files, discovery materials, and court transcripts for attorney review.
• Assist in preparing trial notebooks and hearing exhibits.
• Monitor court dockets, update case timelines, and track legal deadlines.
• Participate in strategy meetings and client intake discussions, as appropriate.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in handling case information.

Qualifications/Essential Skills:

• Current enrollment in an accredited law school (2L or 3L preferred) or recent JD graduate.
• Demonstrated interest or coursework in criminal law, criminal procedure, or trial practice.
• Strong research and writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex legal issues clearly and concisely.
• Familiarity with Westlaw, LexisNexis, or other legal research platforms.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced legal environment.
• High level of professionalism and a strong work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Spanish proficiency (oral and written) is a plus, given the client base.
• Prior experience in a criminal law setting (e.g., criminal defense clinic, public defender’s office, or criminal court internship) is highly desirable.

Compensation & Schedule:

• The compensation for this internship is $10 per hour paid semi monthly.
• Flexible hours to accommodate academic schedules. In-person work at our El Paso office is preferred to facilitate mentorship and case engagement.
• No more than 20-30 hours a week.

Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit the following materials to legalassistant1@vrolawfirm.com:

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing your interest in criminal law and this internship
• Writing sample (preferably legal in nature, 5–10 pages)
• Law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable)