OGC offers interns the opportunity to become directly involved in the broad range of legal and policy matters that come into our office. Our internship program affords students opportunities to learn about the various educational and general laws that bind the school district. Since OGC attorneys are organized into teams based on practice areas, we encourage intern candidates to state a team preference in their cover letter; however, final assignments are based on office needs. Depending on the team you choose, you can learn about the following:
- Representing the District in administrative matters involving disciplinary actions against teachers and classified employees
- Representing the District in labor/employment lawsuits (e.g., discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, failure to accommodate disabilities, etc.)
- Representing the District in due process claims filed by parents of students with special education needs
- Representing the District in collection matters against employees who have been overpaid money
- Representing the District in facilities matters (e.g., acquisition, construction, environmental, land use, administration of a $20 billion new construction and modernization program)
A legal intern would be expected to be able to conduct research projects and draft memoranda with appropriate supervision. In addition, the intern may be called upon to draft correspondence, track pending legislation, and to otherwise assist the General Counsel and his staff with their duties. Solid writing skills and an interest in any of the legal areas listed above is strongly desired, and we prefer second or third-year law students. Please note: these are currently unpaid internships, but we will work with students for academic credit.
Assignments
Interns assist attorneys with the drafting of statutes and regulations, reviewing contracts, representing the District in court and before administrative agencies and advising the senior management and executive staff and members of the Board. Intern assignments may include teacher dismissal / Personnel Commission hearings prep, planning for and attending deposition, responding to Public Records Act inquiries, and construction site visits. Work varies depending on the team on which a student interns.
Training and Orientation
All interns attend an office orientation, which explains our role at the District, office structure and procedures. Interns also receive training on how to use the computer network including access to LexisNexis. Each team provides interns with training to complete their assignments. Additionally, the office's continuing legal education seminars are open to interns.
Internship Assessment
The Office of General Counsel encourages interns to evaluate their experience at the District. Interns are provided with assessment forms by the intern coordinator. Evaluations will be used to measure the success of our internship program so we can make appropriate adjustments to improve its effectiveness. We may use parts of it, attributed to you, in promotional materials and on the web.
