Legal Externs Spring 2027 - Justice Joseph T. Deters

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

5d

About The Position

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking a Spring 2027 legal extern for Justice Joseph T. Deters. The extern will spend most of their time researching, writing, and analyzing legal issues. Work may include preparing draft opinions, bench memoranda, memoranda concerning discretionary appeals and writ complaints, speeches, and individual research projects. The extern will be assigned to a judicial attorney, who will review their work, and may observe oral arguments on the merits when the Court is in session.

For Justice Deters, the extern will review and analyze arguments in pending batch and court-conference matters, conduct research as needed, and provide timely written analysis and case recommendations to senior staff for review with the Justice. The extern may also perform other court-related duties as needed. This is a part-time position, typically 8–10 hours per week, with a schedule that can accommodate the student’s schedule. The work location is listed in Columbus, Ohio, with work hours described as hybrid or virtual, Monday through Friday.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited Juris Doctor, Juris Master, or Master of Legal Studies program. Third-year law students are preferred. The final candidate must undergo pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check. During the externship, externs may not hold or participate in another legal-related externship, internship, clerkship, or employment, paid or unpaid, without prior written approval.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in an accredited Juris Doctor (J.D.), Juris Master (J.M.), or Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program.
• Submit a resume and cover letter by the stated application deadline, and indicate the office of interest and completed law-school level in the email.
• Undergo a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check if selected.
• Obtain prior written approval before participating in any other legal-related externship, internship, clerkship, or employment during the externship.

Nice To Haves

• Third-year (3L) law students are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, and analyze legal issues.
• Prepare draft opinions, bench memoranda, memoranda discussing discretionary appeals and writ complaints, speeches, or individualized research projects as assigned.
• Review and analyze arguments presented in pending batch and court-conference matters.
• Conduct research as needed and provide timely written analysis and case recommendations to senior staff for review with Justice Deters.
• Perform other court-related duties as needed.
• Observe oral arguments on the merits of cases when the Court is in session.

Benefits

• Medical coverage for eligible employees.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and 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, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

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