Legal Intern

3CDC; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Legal Intern will support 3CDC’s Chief Legal Officer and assist with a wide range of legal and regulatory matters related to nonprofit operations and real estate development.

This internship offers hands-on exposure to real estate transactions, corporate governance, compliance, and nonprofit law in a mission-driven, community-focused environment, with opportunities to draft, review, and organize contracts and collaborate with internal teams.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in accredited law school (rising 3L preferred).
• Strong interest in real estate, nonprofit law, or community development.
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Alignment with 3CDC’s mission of equitable urban development.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and reviewing, and organizing contracts related to real estate acquisitions, leases, financing, events, sponsorship, district management, and development.
• Due diligence reviews including review of title and related documents.
• Legal research on real estate, nonprofit, municipal, and corporate law topics.
• Maintaining governance records and compliance documentation.
• Coordination with outside counsel and internal teams.
• Prepare summaries, templates, and internal legal resources, including assist with internal contract management system.
• Meet regularly with business teams and Chief Legal Officer to perform legal work for the organization.

Skills

Legal Research

Writing & Editing

Organizational Skills

Discretion/Confidentiality

Education

Law School Enrollment (rising 3L preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Organizational Overview

The Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) is a tax-exempt nonprofit focused on revitalizing Cincinnati’s urban core, particularly the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine. Partnering with the City of Cincinnati and the corporate community, 3CDC works to create a vibrant downtown through development, programming, and district management, supported by a team of roughly 140 full-time and 180 part-time staff.

3CDC At-a-Glance:

• 3CDC has contributed to more than $2B in development across Downtown and OTR, including civic spaces, mixed-income housing, and mixed-use projects.
• The organization manages nearly 700K square feet of commercial space, ~200 apartment units, and 5,900+ parking spaces, generating $51M+ annually.
• 3CDC oversees seven civic spaces, hosting nearly 1,600 free events each year.
• 3CDC also manages the Downtown Cincinnati and OTR South Special Improvement Districts, providing clean and safe services, outreach, beautification, and marketing.

Why Join Us?

At 3CDC, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your contributions make a tangible impact on the community. This role offers meaningful industry experience, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of a team dedicated to strengthening and energizing Cincinnati’s urban core.

Job Summary

The Legal Intern will support 3CDC’s Chief Legal Officer and all legal work for the organization by assisting with a wide range of legal and regulatory matters related to nonprofit operations and real estate development. This internship offers hands‑on exposure to real estate transactions, corporate governance, compliance, and nonprofit law in a mission‑driven, community‑focused environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assistwith drafting, reviewing, and organizing contracts related to real estate acquisitions, leases, financing, events, sponsorship, district management, and development.
• Support due diligence efforts including review of title and associated documents.
• Conduct legal research on real estate, nonprofit, municipal, and corporate law topics.
• Assistwithmaintainingcorporate governance records and compliance documentation.
• Support coordination with outside counsel and internal teams.
• Help prepare summaries, templates, and internal legal resources, including assisting with internal contract management system.
• Meet regularly with business teams and Chief Legal Officer to perform legal work for the organization.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management as required.

Qualifications

Required:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school (rising 3L preferred).
• Strong interest in real estate, nonprofit law, or community development.
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Alignment with 3CDC’s mission ofequitableurban development.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Ability to sit at a desk and use a computer for extended periods of time.
• Adequate mobility to move throughout the office environment.
• Clear verbal communication and active listening capabilities.
• Strong cognitive abilities including analysis, problem-solving, instruction, decision-making, and interpretation.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and manage stress effectively.