Legal Intern

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) Legal Internship gives law students hands-on experience supporting the legal work of Indiana’s lead economic development agency. Working closely with the Deputy General Counsel and other members of the legal team, the intern develops practical skills in legal research, analysis, drafting, due diligence, public records administration, and legal operations while contributing to matters that support IEDC’s mission. The intern supports matters affecting Indiana’s economic development efforts. Work includes researching legal authorities, conducting due diligence on incentive applicants and business counterparties, preparing legal memoranda and reports, assisting with contract development and review, supporting APRA responses, and analyzing legal and regulatory issues related to IEDC programs and operations. The intern also attends selected legal and cross-functional meetings and gains exposure to how state economic development initiatives are structured and administered. Each Legal Intern completes a substantive project with the Deputy General Counsel and other legal team members. The intern and team define the project scope, conduct research and collaboration, develop a practical work product or recommendation, and present or deliver the completed project at the end of the program. This seasonal position is limited to 180 working days in an eleven-month continuous period and does not offer benefits. The hourly wage is $20.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Currently pursuing a J.D., LL.M., or S.J.D. at an accredited law school.
Knowledge of legal research methods and sources, including statutes, regulations, court opinions, and secondary authorities.
Ability to work independently with limited oversight, ask timely questions, and keep the supervising attorney informed.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with legal and non-legal audiences, orally and in writing.
Ability to learn and use new legal software, research platforms, and document-management tools.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality concerning sensitive legal, business, personnel, and agency information.

Nice To Haves

Academic backgrounds in business, economics, political science, public administration, international studies, or related fields may be beneficial.
Prior legal, business, government, policy, research, or other professional experience through employment, an internship, an externship, a clinic, or similar work is preferred.
Experience researching legislation, regulations, public policy, contracts, corporate matters, or government operations is beneficial.
Knowledge of government, public policy, economic development, business transactions, or corporate and commercial matters is beneficial.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Westlaw, Lexis, Microsoft Purview, or other legal research and document-management platforms is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Research statutes, regulations, court opinions, administrative guidance, and other authorities; identify relevant precedent and trends; and prepare legal memoranda, reports, and summaries.
Conduct company, ownership, litigation, compliance, and other background research concerning incentive applicants, business partners, and counterparties; organize findings and prepare due diligence reports for attorney review and IEDC team use.
Assist with drafting, proofreading, and organizing incentive agreements, amendments, internal policies, procedures, correspondence, and other legal or administrative documents.
Collect, organize, and summarize documents and information related to contracts, projects, public records requests, and other legal team matters.
Attend selected meetings concerning internal and external legal affairs, take notes, identify follow-up items, and assist with related research or documentation.
Support routine legal administration, including APRA intake and response support, document review, matter organization, records tracking, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
Participate in conversations with IEDC officers and staff to learn how the legal team supports incentive programs, business development, compliance, finance, and other agency functions.
Build professional relationships across IEDC and observe coordination with state and local government partners and external stakeholders.
Participate in scheduled weekly check-ins with the internship manager and a midpoint development conversation regarding assignments, progress, and learning goals.
Work with the Deputy General Counsel and legal team on a substantive project, including defining its scope, conducting research and collaboration, developing a practical work product or recommendation, and presenting or delivering it at the end of the program.