Summer 2027 Legal Intern (unpaid)

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Inc • St. Louis, MO

8h

About The Position

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. The organization partners with the community to improve lives, promote fairness, and create opportunities for people in need. Since 1956, it has provided free legal help to more than one million low-income individuals and families with civil legal issues. Its services address housing, family law, public benefits, consumer fraud, healthcare, children’s well-being, special education, and relief from domestic violence, as well as the needs of immigrant and refugee families, veterans, community economic development, and small-business and minority entrepreneurs. The organization has five offices serving 21 Missouri counties.

Legal interns are an important part of the team and typically work in one program during the summer or semester. Specific duties depend on that program’s needs. The role may involve observing attorneys in court, supporting client communication and casework, researching legal issues and preparing written materials, and helping with community education and outreach.

Requirements

• Be enrolled in an accredited law school.
• Demonstrate interest in public interest law and/or working with low-income communities and individuals.
• Ability to engage and collaborate with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with colleagues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, high motivation, and ability to take initiative and be resourceful.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office/365 and ability to learn new software, including case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Shadow attorneys in court, including at hearings, status conferences, trials, and settlement negotiations.
• Attend client meetings and call clients to provide case updates or obtain information.
• Draft pleadings for new cases, assist with discovery in ongoing cases, and draft and serve subpoenas.
• Research legal issues for specific cases and systemic or ongoing projects.
• Write legal memoranda summarizing research findings.
• Draft policy letters and write papers.
• Assist in preparing for and attend community education and outreach presentations and events.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed