STUDENT AIDE III Legal Internship Opportunity

100KCrossing; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York State Unified Court System offers a Student Aide Internship Program for motivated law students across New York State, including Buffalo. Interns gain hands-on exposure to judges, court staff, and the justice system, combining classroom learning with practical experience.

Selected interns will assist with research and writing, observe oral arguments, and support case preparation. The program runs June 7, 2027 through July 30, 2027, with full-time temporary employment and a pay rate

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a J.D. program at start of internship
• LL.M students eligible to apply
• Interest in justice system and legal profession required

Responsibilities

• Assist with legal research and writing tasks, including drafting memoranda, opinions, and other legal documents
• Observe oral arguments and trials in courts
• Participate in case preparation and review, assisting judges and court staff with research and analysis of legal issues
• Attend hearings and trials to gain exposure to legal proceedings at various levels of the judicial system
• Collaborate with court staff to assist in ongoing cases and legal matters
• Provide general support to the court’s operations and participate in any additional duties as needed

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Observing proceedings

Team collaboration

Education

Enrolled in J.D. program

LL.M. eligible

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Microsoft Word

Job description

The mission of the NYS Unified Court System is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before the courts. To promote civic education and readiness, we have developed an Internship Program for motivated and hardworking law students for internships across New York State. Interns are provided the opportunity to integrate classroom education and theory with practical and relevant career experience. Interns will gain insight regarding the work of judges, attorneys, court clerks, court reporters, court officers, interpreters, and other professionals and receive hands-on experience in the work of the courts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with legal research and writing tasks, including drafting memoranda, opinions, and other legal documents.
• Observe oral arguments and trials in courts.
• Participate in case preparation and review, assisting judges and court staff with research and analysis of legal issues.
• Attend hearings and trials to gain exposure to legal proceedings at various levels of the judicial system.
• Collaborate with court staff to assist in ongoing cases and legal matters.
• Provide general support to the court’s operations and participate in any additional duties as needed.

There are multiple opportunities available throughout the state. Interns will be assigned to a District Office (Albany, Malta, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Buffalo, White Plains, Mineola, and Central Islip), or a Chief Clerk’s Office in one of NYC’s five boroughs.

The Program will run from June 7, 2027 through July 30, 2027.

Candidates should have an interest in working and learning about the justice system and/or legal profession. Students who are economically disadvantaged or come from under-served communities are encouraged to apply. The Student Aide Internship Program is intentionally designed to create access for young people who have had little or no prior exposure to the court system.

We therefore prioritize applicants who do not have direct personal connections to the courts. Family members of judges and court employees are not eligible for the Program. Interns are selected based on their ideas, initiative, and enthusiasm. This Program aims to open doors and to advance personal and professional development, regardless of background or existing networks.

Full-Time Temporary (June 7th to July 30th, 2027) Pay: $30.00 hr

Qualifications:

Applicants must have successfully completed one or two years of study in a J.D. program at an accredited law school by the start of the internship; LL.M students at accredited law schools are also eligible.

The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.