Trial Court Internship - Administrative Office BMC

Title: Trial Court Internship - Administrative Office Boston Municipal Court

Starting Pay: Graduate rate - $24 per hour

Departmental Mission Statement: Given our unique responsibility to advance the fair administration of justice, the Boston Municipal Court Department is devoted to the rule of law through the conscientious and expeditious resolution of disputes, with a commitment to restoring the human spirit through correction, education, respect and compassion.

The Trial Court is committed to:

• fair and impartial administration of justice;
• protection of constitutional and statutory rights and liberties;
• equal access to justice for all in a safe and dignified environment with policies and practices that strengthen and support diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• efficient, effective, and accountable resolution of disputes;
• prompt and courteous service to the public by committed and dedicated professionals utilizing best practices in a manner that inspires public trust and confidence.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/boston-municipal-court

Position Summary: 

The intern, under the supervision and guidance of the Administrative Office of the Boston Municipal Court, will work on a variety of assignments that will involve legal research and writing to support the judges of all eight Divisions of the Boston Municipal Court. The intern should be able to provide a broad range of skilled and confidential legal support.  In addition, the Boston Municipal Court Administrative Office may assign the intern responsibility for longer term projects.  Because the Administrative Office provides support to the Court's eight divisions, the intern may be called upon to accompany travel to the individual courthouses if/when the need arises.  The intern’s daily duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Job Duties:

• Research legal issues and questions and assists in the writing of draft decisions and legal memoranda on civil, criminal, and administrative matters;
• Delivers all legal documents and related work product in a timely and high-quality fashion, meeting deadlines and demonstrating continuous improvement;
• Performs special projects as assigned; and
• Performs related duties and required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Working towards a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school;
• 2L or 3L with prior legal experience preferred;
• Excellent writing, communication, and legal research skills;
• Ability to produce high quality work product while meeting deadlines;
• Abilities that demonstrate a history of continuous improvement;
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software such as MS Office, including word processing and search engines such as LexisNexis and Westlaw;
• Knowledge of the Massachusetts judicial system and state law;
• Knowledge of applicable court jurisdiction and court procedures;
• Knowledge of trial, hearing and administrative procedures;
• Ability to analyze legal issues and identify relevant case opinions and court policies;
• Ability to prepare legal memoranda and other documents;
• Ability to work independently and to establish work priorities;
• Ability to deal effectively with justices and other court officials;
• Ability to handle sensitive matters on a confidential basis; and
• Ability to travel to the eight divisions of the Boston Municipal Court Department.
• Ability to keep information confidential

Positions are paid, full-time (37.5 hours per week)