Legal Intern

Bay Area Air Quality Management District; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 3,444,000 - 5,510,000; Part time

Job summary

Bay Area Air Quality Management District in San Francisco seeks a Legal Intern to support the Legal Division during a 10–12 week summer program.

Under close supervision, you will conduct legal research, draft memoranda, assist with enforcement cases, review air quality regulations, attend meetings, and help maintain records. Applicants must be enrolled in a first-year law school or be a recent graduate and may be preparing for the California bar; this is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in or a recent graduate of an accredited law school.
• Interest in environmental law and regulatory practice is desirable.
• Ability to work under supervision and handle multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda for review by attorneys.
• Assist attorneys in preparation of enforcement cases and related filings.
• Review air quality regulations and policy proposals for compliance implications.
• Monitor legislative developments and assess impacts on District operations.
• Attend and take notes at departmental, board and committee meetings.
• Maintain organized records and assist with reporting as needed.
• Provide support for special projects and general duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting memoranda

Enforcement support

Note-taking

Education

First-year law student or recent graduate

Job description

The Bay Area Air District (Air District) is a regional government agency committed to achieving clean air to protect public health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through regulation and permitting of facilities, enforcement of those regulations and permit requirements, and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices.

The Air District is governed by a Board of Directors, and its jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma. You can find more information about the Air District at www.baaqmd.gov.

At the Air District, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity and promotes cultural awareness. We prioritize employee engagement by providing a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and open dialogue.

The Air District recognizes and values the contributions of every employee and works to sustain an environment where everyone is respected. We incorporate the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion within our decision-making strategies, policies, procedures, regulations, funding initiatives, public outreach, planning, and hiring. Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture where your contributions are celebrated, and your growth is nurtured.

The Air District is accepting applications for the position of Legal Intern in the Legal Office. This is a temporary, exempt position, not to exceed 10-12 weeks in Summer 2027. There are two (2) vacancies.

About the Division

The Legal Division provides a wide array of legal services to support the entire Air District, including prosecuting violations of air laws; advising on legal compliance with the Brown Act, California Environmental Quality Act, AB 617, and other federal, State and local laws; supporting rulemakings by developing regulatory language and advising on compliance with rulemaking requirements; supporting the permitting program; reviewing records under the Public Records Act; researching legal issues; and staying abreast of current legal developments in air quality throughout California and nationwide.

Definition

Under close supervision, the legal intern performs various work related to and in support of legal casework being undertaken by attorneys in the Legal Division. The intern gains valuable work experience by assisting the Air District’s attorneys on a variety of cases and projects under the supervision of an attorney while following guidelines and procedures defined by the Legal Division. Assignments could include drafting settlement offers, complaints, and other enforcement work; researching important legal issues and drafting memoranda; attending negotiations, hearings, and other legal meetings; representing the Air District in small claims or Hearing Board cases; and other legal work to support and advance the work of the Air District.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a temporary training position for current law students and recent law school graduates. Interns will apply their legal education to work and gain practical experience assisting experienced attorneys on a variety of cases and projects. Through this work, interns will gain valuable environmental law and regulatory experience. (Illustrative Only)

• Conducts legal research and prepares legal memoranda for review by attorneys.
• Assists attorneys in the preparation of enforcement cases, often involving a specialized body of law.
• Assists attorneys in reviewing air quality regulations and policies.
• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions, evaluates their impacts on Air District operations, and recommends appropriate action.
• Attends and takes notes at Air District departmental, board and committee meetings.
• Maintains, organizes, and tracks accurate records and compiles reports of work performed.
• Provides support for special projects as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Must be enrolled in and have completed the first year at an accredited law school (summer enrollment not required), or have recently graduated from an accredited law school and be studying for the California bar exam or awaiting admission to the California bar after completion of the bar exam.

Other Requirements

Must not be a member of the State Bar of California or any other Bar at the time of hire or during the time of the internship.

The Air District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.