Legal Externs Spring 2027 - Justice Patrick F. Fischer

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

5d

About The Position

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking Spring 2027 externs for Justice Patrick F. Fischer. The extern will spend most of their time researching, writing, and analyzing legal issues. Work may include drafting opinions, bench memoranda, memoranda concerning discretionary appeals and complaints for writs, speeches, and individualized research projects. The extern will be assigned to a judicial attorney, who will review their work, and may observe oral arguments when the Court is in session.

For Justice Fischer, the extern will write one to two jurisdictional memoranda every two weeks and conduct research requested by Justice Fischer or judicial attorneys. The extern will participate in weekly office Zoom meetings, typically Thursday afternoons or Monday mornings depending on Justice Fischer’s availability. Attendance at oral arguments in Columbus is optional.

The position requires 10 to 20 hours per week. Hours are flexible, but the extern should plan to complete the hours and be available during the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday to receive feedback and participate in meetings. The schedule cannot consist only of evenings and weekends. The extern may work remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or in the Columbus office. Applicants must disclose other employment for conflict review; during the externship, other legal-related employment, externships, internships, or clerkships require prior written approval.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited J.D., J.M., or M.L.S. program. The ideal candidate is a second- or third-year law student with exceptional writing skills. The final candidate must undergo pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check. Applications, including a resume and cover letter, are due by October 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Juris Doctor (J.D.), Juris Master (J.M.), or Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program.
• The ideal candidate is a second- or third-year law student with exceptional writing skills.
• Able to work 10 to 20 hours per week and be available during the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday for feedback and weekly meetings; evenings and weekends only is not an acceptable schedule.
• Other legal-related employment, externships, internships, or clerkships during the externship require prior written approval.
• The final candidate must complete pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Second- or third-year law student status.
• Exceptional writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Write one to two jurisdictional memoranda for Justice Fischer every two weeks.
• Research issues requested by Justice Fischer or judicial attorneys.
• Research, write, and analyze legal issues, which may include preparing draft opinions, bench memoranda, memoranda on discretionary appeals and complaints for writs, speeches, or individualized research projects.
• Participate in weekly office Zoom meetings.
• Optionally attend oral arguments in Columbus.
• Disclose other employment so potential conflicts of interest can be evaluated.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including employee development funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems and optional deferred compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern