Summer Legal Intern

State of North Dakota; Bismarck (ND); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is offering a Summer Legal Intern position in Bismarck, ND. This role provides hands-on experience in government ethics, administrative law, and public-sector practice while working with Commission attorneys and staff on ethics laws, campaign finance, lobbying, and transparency.

You will conduct legal research, draft memoranda and opinions, review ethics complaints, and assist in hearings and policy development.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school (completed 1L or 2L year).
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interest in government ethics, administrative law, or related area of law.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with MS Office and legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis related to government ethics, campaign finance, lobbying regulations, government transparency, and related state laws.
• Assist attorneys in drafting memoranda, advisory opinions, investigative reports, and other legal documents.
• Review and analyze complaints involving potential ethics violations and assist with research and case analysis.
• Assist with preparing for hearings, administrative proceedings, legislative hearings, and Commission activities.
• Help develop policies, procedures, guidance, and educational materials.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Education

Law student (1L/2L)

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Microsoft Office

Job description

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Summer Legal Intern to gain hands‑on experience in government ethics, administrative law, legal research, and public‑sector legal practice. This position provides an opportunity to work closely with Commission attorneys and staff on matters involving ethics laws, campaign finance, lobbying, government transparency, and related state laws.

Working under the supervision of Commission attorneys, the Legal Intern will have the opportunity to apply legal research, writing, and analytical skills to real‑world legal issues while developing a deeper understanding of the laws and regulatory framework governing public officials and public service in North Dakota.

Internship Details

• Location: Bismarck, ND
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid work schedule may be available
• Duration: Summer 2027 (May‑August 2027)
• Potential Extension: Opportunity may exist to continue part‑time during the 2027‑2028 academic year
• Compensation: $21.80 per hour
• Hours: Flexible based on academic schedule

Summary Of Work

• Conduct legal research and analysis related to government ethics, campaign finance, lobbying regulations, government transparency, and other state laws.
• Assist attorneys in drafting legal memoranda, advisory opinions, investigative reports, and other legal documents.
• Review and analyze complaints involving potential ethics violations and assist with related research and case analysis.
• Assist attorneys in preparing for hearings, administrative proceedings, legislative hearings, and other Commission activities.
• Assist with developing and revising policies, procedures, guidance, and educational materials.
• Monitor legislative and judicial developments and evaluate their potential impact on ethics laws and Commission operations.
• Help develop educational materials and outreach programs related to ethics compliance for public officials, lobbyists, candidates for office, and North Dakota citizens.
• Participate in projects that support the Commission's educational, advisory, and enforcement responsibilities.
• Gain exposure to the legal and administrative processes involved in government ethics compliance and enforcement.
• Perform other legal and administrative duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school (completed 1L or 2L year)
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interest in government ethics, administrative law, public service, or a related area of law.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in administrative law, constitutional law, government ethics, election law, or a related area.
• Prior experience conducting legal research, writing legal memoranda, or analyzing statutes and regulations.
• Interest in pursuing a career in government, public service, administrative law, or regulatory compliance.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard‑working people across sixty‑three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Why Join the North Dakota Ethics Commission?

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical legal experience while contributing to the work of a state agency dedicated to promoting ethical conduct and public confidence in government.

The Legal Intern will work alongside experienced attorneys and Commission staff and gain meaningful exposure to legal research, investigations, administrative proceedings, legislative matters, ethics compliance, and public education. The position provides an opportunity to work on real‑world legal issues and develop skills that can be valuable for a future career in government, public service, administrative law, or regulatory compliance.

Questions or Accommodations?

Contact Jill Mugaas, HR Business Partner

jemugaas@,nd.gov | [phone]

For tech issues, contact [e-mail] | [phone]

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.