Legal Intern - Merced Irrigation District (Merced)

SAN JOAQUIN COLLEGE OF LAW; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

SAN JOAQUIN COLLEGE OF LAW is seeking a Legal Intern for the Merced Irrigation District. This role involves performing legal research, analysis, and administrative support for the General Counsel, providing practical experience in various aspects of law relevant to public agency operations.

The ideal candidate will be a current law student, preferably in their second or third year, with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. This internship is on-site, requiring full-time availability during the summer.

Qualifications

• Current law school enrollment with completion of the first year required.
• Preferred second or third-year law students.
• Clear and organized written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare documents.
• Assist in regulatory compliance and public agency support.
• Maintain legal files and records.

Skills

Legal research and analysis

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Education

Current enrollment in an accredited law school (1st year completed)

Second or third-year law students preferred

Recent Juris Doctor graduates may be considered

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Legal research tools

Job description

Legal Intern - Merced Irrigation District (Merced)

The Legal Intern performs legal research, analysis, and administrative support duties under the direction of the General Counsel. The position assists with legal, regulatory, compliance, governance, and risk management matters affecting the District's operations. This internship provides practical experience in public agency law, utility law, water law, employment law, contract administration, and regulatory compliance while supporting the District's mission to provide reliable water and electric service.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Research & Analysis

• Conduct legal research involving statutes, regulations, case law, administrative decisions, and legal opinions.
• Prepare legal memoranda, summaries, reports, and other written work products.
• Analyze legal issues and provide research support to the General Counsel.
• Assist in the review of contracts, agreements, policies, procedures, and Board materials.
• Research and analyze issues related to public agency governance and compliance.
• Assist with policy development and document management projects.

Regulatory Compliance & Public Agency Support

• Assist with responses to California Public Records Act requests and related legal matters.
• Research legal issues involving employment law, labor relations, water resources, environmental compliance, and utility operations.
• Support compliance efforts involving local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Administrative & Project Support

• Organize and maintain legal files, records, and reference materials.
• Attend meetings, hearings, and training sessions as assigned.
• Perform special projects and other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Current enrollment in an accredited law school with completion of the first year of law school required.
• Second or third-year law students preferred.
• Recent graduates with a Juris Doctor degree may be considered.

Experience

• Prior internship, research, public agency, legal office, or related experience is desirable but not required.

Skills and Abilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis.
• Prepare clear, concise, and organized written reports and memoranda.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Organize and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, consultants, legal counsel, and outside agencies.

Knowledge

• Legal research methods and legal writing principles.
• Basic principles of public agency law, administrative law, contract law, employment law, or related legal disciplines.
• Microsoft Office applications and legal research tools.

Special Requirements

• Ability to work full-time during the summer internship period.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
• Abide by all District policies, guidelines, and rules.

Internship Duration

• Temporary summer internship position.
• Expected schedule of up to 40 hours per week during summer break, subject to District needs and budget authorization.
• This is a fully on-site position based at the District’s primary office location. Remote work or hybrid arrangements are not permitted; regular attendance at the designated worksite is an essential function of the role.
• Work involves extensive computer use, legal research, document review, and written communication.
• Occasional travel to District facilities, meetings, hearings, or training sessions may be required.

Physical Demands

• Sit and operate computers and office equipment for extended periods.
• Lift and carry files and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.

Mental Demands

• Analyze complex information and legal issues.
• Exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Organize and prioritize assignments in a professional environment.

Supervision

• Receives general supervision from the General Counsel.