Legal Intern

Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board Inc•Rapid City, SD

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Legal Intern supports the legal, compliance, governance, and policy functions of a tribal health organization operating under a 638 framework. This paid internship is designed for a qualified first- or second-year American Indian/Alaska Native law student with a demonstrated interest in healthcare law, Federal Indian law, tribal governance, and self-determination. The Summer Legal Intern will gain practical experience through legal research, writing, policy analysis, contract review support, and special projects related to tribal health operations. The intern will have an opportunity to learn about the legal and regulatory environment affecting tribal health organizations, including Public Law 93-638, tribal sovereignty, healthcare operations, compliance, employment matters, governance, and related legal issues. This position offers meaningful exposure to mission-driven legal work that supports tribal communities, health equity, and organizational excellence.

Requirements

Current first-year or second-year law student in good standing at an accredited law school.
American Indian or Alaska Native student preferred and/or eligible for Native preference consideration consistent with applicable law and organizational policy.
Demonstrated interest in healthcare law, Federal Indian law, tribal law, 638/self-governance issues, public service, or related legal fields.
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with supervisors and internal stakeholders.
Must be able to read, write, speak, and hear.
Compliance with our Employee Health Procedure is a condition of employment. You are required to agree that you will comply with all job-related employee health screening and immunizations prior to your first day of employment.
Jobs require that you have documentation that you have completed the following immunizations prior to your first day of employment: MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella (Chicken Pox), Hepatitis B, Influenza, T-dap (Tetanus - Diphtheria - Pertussis), and COVID-19 vaccination is required.

Nice To Haves

Lived, academic, or professional experience related to tribal communities, tribal governance, Indian health systems, or Native-serving institutions.
Prior coursework or experience in Indian law, administrative law, health law, employment law, or public policy.
Experience with legal research platforms such as Westlaw or Lexis.
Interest in long-term work supporting tribal organizations, public health, or Native communities.

Responsibilities

Conducts legal research and analysis on matters related to healthcare law, Federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, Public Law 93-638, employment law, privacy, compliance, governance, and administrative law.
Assists in drafting legal memoranda, briefing materials, summaries, correspondence, and issue analyses for leadership and internal stakeholders.
Supports review of policies, procedures, contracts, agreements, and other organizational documents for legal and operational consistency.
Assists with research and project work involving tribal health systems, self-governance, self-determination, and regulatory compliance.
Organizes and summarizes legal and regulatory information in a clear, practical format for operational use.
Participates in meetings with legal, executive, compliance, operational, and departmental leaders as appropriate.
Assists with special projects involving governance, risk management, workforce issues, healthcare operations, and strategic initiatives.
Maintains confidentiality of sensitive legal, personnel, operational, and organizational information.
Supports the development of legal resource materials, templates, trackers, and internal guidance documents.
Performs other related duties as assigned in support of organizational operations and internship learning objectives.