Legal Intern

IAA Illinois Agricultural Association; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits

401(k) with match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Paid company holidays

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Illinois Farm Bureau offers a Summer Law Clerk Program within its in‑house Legal Department. The role provides hands‑on experience across commercial transactions, regulatory issues, employment matters, corporate governance, and complex litigation in a collaborative, mentor‑led setting.

You will work with attorneys and business partners, gaining practical legal skills and insight into how legal considerations influence business decisions while contributing to the organization’s strategic

Qualifications

• 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 ABA‑accredited law school.
• Must have completed the first or second year of law school (1L or 2L).
• Demonstrated academic achievement and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with legal and business professionals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• 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 areas is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with attorneys on a wide range of substantive matters including commercial transactions, regulatory and compliance issues, and governance.
• Assist with employment matters and regulatory reviews.
• Contribute to complex litigation support as needed.
• Collaborate with legal and business professionals to support strategic objectives.
• Assist in translating legal considerations into business decisions.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

J.D. degree

ABA‑accredited law school enrollment

1L/2L status

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.

• insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, disability, and life)
• 401(k) with company match
• parental leave
• paid time off
• paid company holidays
• 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.

Plant your roots with a career at Illinois Farm Bureau! IFB is headquartered in Bloomington, IL, with hybrid positions available at our home office and statewide across our 93 County Farm Bureau offices.

Our Mission

Improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life. Since 1916, IFB has remained dedicated to advocating for farmers and agriculture, connecting the farming community with consumers and promoting the values and quality of life we hold dear in Illinois.

We’re a grassroots membership organization made up of people who support farms, food and families in Illinois. Our members join because they are looking for advocacy, access to reliable agricultural information and education and our member benefits. We also invest in the future of agriculture via the IAA Foundation, grow agricultural leaders through developmental programming and events, cultivate environmental stewardship and champion innovation by working with our partner and affiliated organizations, such as COUNTRY Financial; GROWMARK; Prairie Farms Dairy and the state commodity groups.

Our employees — regardless of their connection to agriculture — are instrumental in providing this value to our members by creating and managing programs, services and activities. We support their development through continuous learning and training, tuition assistance and a competitive, full-range package of benefits. Our people are our members’ neighbors, and we work to ensure they share the same opportunities for personal and professional growth and contributing to their communities.