Law Clerk

The Law Clerk internship is a unique one-year, paid, full and then part-time opportunity to work closely in an in-house position with the Legal Department, including Risk Management, Real Estate, and the Chief Prosecuting Attorney, and the Director of Human Resources and Employment Counsel gaining valuable experience in multiple areas of civil and criminal law.

The Law Clerk will engage in research and writing legal memoranda on various topics, review documents, attend and/or present at staff meetings relating to legal research, assist with the preparation of criminal hearings and trials or court hearings when opportunities arise, provide general office and administrative duties, including updating files and records, and calendaring and tracking deadlines.

Essential Functions:

• Research and write memorandum or policies on a wide range of issues.
• Review and/or draft contracts and contract amendments.
• Assist with the preparation of criminal hearings and trials.
• Attend court hearings, pre-trials, and trials.
• Assist in processing Public Records Requests and Worker's Compensation matters.
• Lend support in procurement process including, but not limited to, drafting of Request for Proposals, Requests for Qualifications, Requests for Information and bidding documents.
• Maintains and analyzes federal, state and local legislation affecting Cleveland Metroparks.
• Provides training and development activities to Cleveland Metroparks staff, as required.
• Assisting with records retention of legal documents, including contracts.
• Provide general office and administrative duties, including updating files and records, and calendaring and tracking deadlines.

Requirements:

Education/Experience: Must be a law student currently enrolled in an accredited law school within the United States.

Credentials/Licenses/Certifications: Must have a good driving record (less than six (6) active points on driving records at the application stage of the hiring process) and possess a valid Ohio driver's license.

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to conduct thorough legal analysis of issues, focusing on fact-specific scenarios and asking follow-up questions to ensure thorough understanding of research requests.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Proficiency in Westlaw and/or Lexis, traditional web search databases such as Google, and software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, including school and work obligations.
• Availability for full-time hours summer 2026 and part-time hours during the 2026-2027 school year (approximately 12-18 hours per week); intern is expected to work during a portion of winter break from school.

Success Factors: To successfully perform this job, the following training, knowledge and abilities are required.

• Required Training: All Cleveland Metroparks employees are required to complete all general mandatory training. These include, but are not limited to, blood borne pathogens, emergency communications, hazardous communications, slip/trips/falls, personal protective equipment, sexual and other forms of harassment, drug free workplace, violence in the workplace, fire prevention, concealed weapon, personal appearance/dress code, social media, distracted driving, cell phone use, ethics and Park District computer use. Specialized and/or position specific safety training may be required.
• Knowledge/Skills: Must have advanced knowledge of Cleveland Metroparks programs, operations, and facilities. Must possess significant knowledge of management principles and practices, and display sound judgment and leadership skills. Deals with confidential information, builds and maintains relationships. Understands group dynamics and relationship management. Must possess and use legal and ethics knowledge.
• Language/Mathematical Skills: Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to perform math related to budget, contract, reports, etc., consistent with the essential functions of the job.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to research, plan, implement, problem-solve, and evaluate programs, activities and operations. Ability to discern and effectively address relevant issues. Ability to trouble-shoot and adopt creative solutions. Uses critical and systems thinking.
• Attendance: Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays as required.
• Other: Must possess positive customer service attitude and image, dependability, good judgment, diplomacy and appropriate confidentiality to all internal and external stakeholder groups. Must communicate effectively with all stakeholders. Ability to give and receive criticism with diplomacy. Ability to hold crucial conversations when needed.

Work Days: Monday - Friday

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week during summer 2026 and 12-18 hours per week during the 2026-2027 school year

Application Deadline: Open until filled