Legal Intern

Illinois Agricultural Association; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company holidays

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Illinois Farm Bureau invites motivated JD students to join its Legal Department Summer Clerk Program in Bloomington, IL. The internship offers hands-on experience in corporate matters, regulatory compliance, and governance while working closely with attorneys and business partners.

As a Summer Law Clerk, you will gain exposure to real projects, receive mentorship, and participate in meaningful assignments that support the organization's objectives.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Must be able to work full-time hours from late May 2027 to early August 2027; internship may extend part-time through fall 2027 and spring 2028.
• Graduation date of August 2027 or beyond.
• Must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school (J.D. program).
• Must have completed the first or second year of law school (1L or 2L) prior to start.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with legal and business professionals.
• Proficiency in legal research platforms and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in corporate law, insurance, financial services, litigation, regulatory compliance, or related areas is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support attorneys on commercial transactions, regulatory issues, employment matters, and governance.
• Participate in meetings, research, drafting, and due diligence tasks.
• Contribute to complex litigation strategies and business-focused solutions.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Communication (oral & written)

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) program

Completion of 1L or 2L year

Graduation Aug 2027 or later

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research platforms

Job description

Join us at the Illinois Farm Bureau to become part of an influential leader that has a rich history and vision toward the future of agriculture.

We’re excited you’re looking for a career with Illinois Farm Bureau as we advocate for farmers and agriculture. We’re a grassroots organization made up of people who support farms, food and families in Illinois.

About the role

At Illinois Farm Bureau, our Legal Department Summer Clerk Program offers law students a unique opportunity to gain meaningful, hands‑on experience within an in‑house legal department that supports a diverse organization. The Summer Law Clerk will work closely with attorneys and business partners on a wide range of substantive legal matters, including commercial transactions, regulatory and compliance issues, employment matters, corporate governance, and complex litigation. Through meaningful assignments, mentorship, and direct collaboration with legal and business professionals, the clerk will develop practical legal skills, gain valuable insight into how considerations inform business decisions, and contribute to solutions that support the organization’s strategic objectives.

Application Timeline:
We know waiting can be difficult, so we want to set expectations upfront. Our internship recruiting process takes place over several months. Applications open in mid-September and are reviewed as they are received. HR interviews are expected to begin in mid-October, followed by interviews with hiring leaders. Depending on the role and applicant volume, hiring decisions and offers may be made anytime from October through January. We appreciate your patience throughout the process and will communicate updates as they become available.

How does this role make an impact?

\"Test drive\" a potential career path through real corporate projects, collaboration in meetings, and several networking opportunities. While working alongside and learning from expert leaders at all levels of the company, in addition to teaming up with fellow interns to showcase your ideas, our interns impact the business, and experience professional and personal growth.

Do you have what we're looking for?

• Pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Must be able to work full-time hours from late May 2027 to early August 2027. The internship may be extended part-time through fall 2027 and spring 2028.
• Graduation date of August 2027 or beyond.
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at an ABA-accredited law school.
• Must have successfully completed the first or second year of law school (1L or 2L) prior to the start of the internship.
• Demonstrated academic achievement and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with legal and business professionals.
• Proficiency in legal research platforms and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in corporate law, insurance, financial services, litigation, regulatory compliance, or related practice areas is preferred.

Why work with us?

Illinois Farm Bureau planted roots in 1916 and is one of the largest Farm Bureau organizations in the United States. Illinois Farm Bureau is a voice for Illinois farmers, farm families, and anyone involved in food and agriculture. That covers a lot of ground. Illinois Farm Bureau represents members in Springfield, IL and Washington D.C. When you become a part of Illinois Farm Bureau, you become part of something that touches the lives of people every day. You truly make a difference.

You’ll be able to take advantage of our benefits package, which includes insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, disability, and life), 401(k) with company match, parental leave, paid time off, paid company holidays and time off to volunteer.

Illinois Farm Bureau is committed to providing equal opportunity in all areas of employment, and in providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

Illinois Farm Bureau does not generally sponsor individuals for employment-based visas for this position.