Legal Externs Spring 2027 - Justice Patrick F. Fischer

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

4d

About The Position

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking a Spring 2027 legal extern for Justice Patrick F. Fischer. Most of the extern’s time will be devoted to researching, writing, and analyzing legal issues, potentially including draft opinions, bench memoranda, memoranda on discretionary appeals and writ complaints, speeches, and individualized research projects. The extern will be assigned to a judicial attorney, who will review the extern’s work, and may observe oral arguments on the merits when the Court is in session.

For Justice Fischer, the extern will write one to two jurisdictional memoranda every two weeks and research issues requested by the Justice or judicial attorneys. The extern will participate in weekly office Zoom meetings, subject to Justice Fischer’s availability; meetings are usually Thursday afternoons or Monday mornings. Attending oral arguments in Columbus is optional.

The externship 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.–5 p.m. workday to receive feedback and participate in weekly meetings. The schedule cannot consist only of evenings and weekends. The position may be performed remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or in the Columbus office. Communication may take place by Zoom, Teams, phone, email, or text. Students must disclose other employment for potential conflict review. During the externship, other externships, internships, clerkships, or legal-related employment—paid or unpaid—are prohibited without 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. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude consideration; the applicant’s circumstances will be assessed individually.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Juris Doctor (J.D.), Juris Master (J.M.), or Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program.
• Exceptional writing skills are sought in the ideal candidate.
• Be available during the traditional 8 a.m.–5 p.m. workday; a schedule consisting only of evenings and weekends is not permitted.
• Disclose other employment for conflict review; other legal-related employment or placements during the externship require prior written approval.
• Undergo pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check if selected.

Nice To Haves

• Second- or third-year law student (2L or 3L).

Responsibilities

• Write one to two jurisdictional memoranda for Justice Fischer every two weeks.
• Research issues requested by Justice Fischer or judicial attorneys.
• Participate in weekly office Zoom meetings, subject to Justice Fischer’s availability.
• Complete 10 to 20 hours of work per week and be available during traditional business hours for feedback and meetings.
• Optionally attend oral arguments in Columbus.
• Disclose other employment for potential conflict-of-interest review.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed