Legal Intern

Great Plains Tribal Health; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Great Plains Tribal Health is seeking a Summer Legal Intern in Rapid City, South Dakota. This paid internship is aimed at first- or second-year American Indian/Alaska Native law students interested in healthcare law, Federal Indian law, and tribal governance. The intern will engage in legal research, writing, policy analysis, and more, gaining valuable experience and exposure to essential legal work within a tribal health organization. Preferred candidates will have relevant academic or lived experiences with tribal communities or Indian health systems.

Qualifications

• Must be a first or second-year law student in good standing.
• Demonstrated interest in healthcare or Federal Indian law.
• Strong skills in research, writing, and analysis required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis on healthcare law and tribal sovereignty.
• Draft legal memoranda and policy documents.
• Support review of contracts and organizational documents.

Skills

Legal research

Writing

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Current first or second-year law student

Tools

Westlaw

Lexis

Job description

Overview

Job Summary
The Summer Legal Intern supports the legal, compliance, governance, and policy functions of a tribal health organization operating under a 638 framework. This paid internship is designed for a qualified first- or second-year American Indian/Alaska Native law student with a demonstrated interest in healthcare law, Federal Indian law, tribal governance, and self-determination.

Position

Position Title: Legal Intern
Reports To: General Counsel or Designee

Responsibilities

The Summer Legal Intern will gain practical experience through legal research, writing, policy analysis, contract review support, and special projects related to tribal health operations. The intern will have an opportunity to learn about the legal and regulatory environment affecting tribal health organizations, including Public Law 93-638, tribal sovereignty, healthcare operations, compliance, employment matters, governance, and related legal issues. This position offers meaningful exposure to mission-driven legal work that supports tribal communities, health equity, and organizational excellence.

• Conducts legal research and analysis on matters related to healthcare law, Federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, Public Law 93-638, employment law, privacy, compliance, governance, and administrative law.
• Assists in drafting legal memoranda, briefing materials, summaries, correspondence, and issue analyses for leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Supports review of policies, procedures, contracts, agreements, and other organizational documents for legal and operational consistency.
• Assists with research and project work involving tribal health systems, self-governance, self-determination, and regulatory compliance.
• Organizes and summarizes legal and regulatory information in a clear, practical format for operational use.
• Participates in meetings with legal, executive, compliance, operational, and departmental leaders as appropriate.
• Assists with special projects involving governance, risk management, workforce issues, healthcare operations, and strategic initiatives.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive legal, personnel, operational, and organizational information.
• Supports the development of legal resource materials, templates, trackers, and internal guidance documents.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of organizational operations and internship learning objectives.

Physical and Environment Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical demands and work environment may include:

• Primarily sedentary work in an office or administrative setting.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and regularly use standard office equipment (computer, keyboard, telephone, copier).
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry office materials or supplies up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity for computer use and document review.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and hear.
• Work is performed primarily in an indoor office or administrative environment with normal safety precautions typical of office settings.
• The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
• Minimal exposure to hazardous conditions; no routine exposure to clinical, field, or high-risk environments.
• Occasional attendance at meetings, training sessions, or events may require travel within the organization's facilities.

Education/Experience/Certificates/Credentials

Minimum Qualifications

• Current first-year or second-year law student in good standing at an accredited law school.
• American Indian or Alaska Native student preferred and/or eligible for Native preference consideration consistent with applicable law and organizational policy.
• Demonstrated interest in healthcare law, Federal Indian law, tribal law, 638/self-governance issues, public service, or related legal fields.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with supervisors and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived, academic, or professional experience related to tribal communities, tribal governance, Indian health systems, or Native-serving institutions.
• Prior coursework or experience in Indian law, administrative law, health law, employment law, or public policy.
• Experience with legal research platforms such as Westlaw or Lexis.
• Interest in long-term work supporting tribal organizations, public health, or Native communities.