Summer 2027 Legal Intern

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Closing Date: 07/31/2026; 5:00pm

Do you enjoy problem-solving and deep engagement with law and policy? Do you want to intern in a collegial environment that provides opportunities to contribute to the legislative process? If so, we invite you to apply to intern with our dynamic team in the Legislative Analysis Division (LAD) of the North Carolina General Assembly. We are looking for law students to serve as Summer Legal Interns for 10 weeks from mid-May to mid-July 2027.

WHO WE ARE

LAD is a nonpartisan central staff division of the North Carolina General Assembly. Our staff attorneys play an important role in the functioning of the State legislature by providing legal counsel and drafting services to legislative committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate. We also provide high-quality legal and policy information to all 170 legislators of the General Assembly, regardless of political affiliation. 

WHAT WE DO

LAD staff attorneys specialize in legislative practice and develop expertise in one or more areas of substantive law and policy. We work with legislators, political staff, stakeholders, and other interested parties from all political parties and across State and local government in a cooperative and fast-paced environment to provide high-quality bill drafts and legal counsel on the legislative process. A successful staff attorney in LAD analyzes, identifies, and proposes solutions to complex legal issues, communicates clearly both orally and in writing, and operates under tight time constraints while juggling multiple assignments.

We work independently while functioning as part of a team in a cooperative environment to provide objective and impartial assistance to legislators, regardless of political affiliation, on a variety of policy issues.  During the legislation session, we serve as counsel for committees considering bills for enactment by the General Assembly and provide legal, policy, and general information to individual legislators. Our job is to help legislators effectuate their legislative intent, and we do not advocate for or against legislation. 

WHAT SUMMER LEGAL INTERNS DO

Summer Legal Interns work in a full-time paid position for 10 weeks with the attorneys and professional staff of LAD to provide legal and other research support for members of the General Assembly.  The General Assembly will be in legislative session during this internship. Summer Legal Interns will work with LAD attorneys on legal and policy research requests for legislators and will assist in preparation for committees, including introductory bill drafting and drafting of legislative summaries. Summer Legal Interns will also attend and observe committee meetings and sessions of the General Assembly to develop a deeper understanding of the legislative process.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of two years at an accredited law school prior to beginning the internship. Individuals who have completed one year of law school are encouraged to apply.

• A demonstrated interest in nonpartisan State service.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

***NC General Assembly positions are NOT subject to the State Human Resources Act.***

INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for the LAD Summer Legal Intern position, submit the NC General Assembly application through the NC General Assembly website: https://careers.ncleg.gov/.

An applicant must also attach a copy of the following documents when submitting the online application:

• A cover letter that answers the following questions:

  • Why are you interested in working in a nonpartisan role in the legislative process?

  • In what work environment are you most productive, and why?

• Résumé.

• Most recent available law school transcript (unofficial).<