Internship Program: Paralegal Internship
As part of the Austin City Attorney's Office Internship Program, paralegal students enrolled in an accredited paralegal studies program are eligible to apply for an internship with the department. Internships are offered during the spring and fall semesters of each calendar year. There are no internships during the summer semesters.
Under the general supervision of attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff, paralegal interns engage in a variety of paralegal tasks designed to help them develop practical job skills, gain exposure to the legal field, and explore potential career paths in a professional legal environment.
The City's paralegal intern position is an unpaid position and does not include City of Austin employment benefits. For additional information, please contact paralegalinternship@austintexas.gov.
Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the paralegal intern will expand progressively as skills and knowledge are developed. Interns may be involved in a range of activities, including but not limited to:. Duties will generally progress as follows:
- E-filing documents in both state and federal courts
- Calendaring deadlines and case milestones
- Organizing case files and identifying legal documents
- Scheduling, preparing for, and attending depositions; reviewing and finalizing deposition transcripts
- Drafting pleadings, motions, and other legal documents
- Attending courtroom proceedings and hearings
- Reviewing and summarizing records and case materials
- Collecting and organizing client documents
- Drafting discovery requests and responses
- Preparing documents for production, including Bates labeling and redactions
- Assisting with exhibit preparation for court appearances and practice
- Setting and announcing court hearings
- Supporting attorneys and paralegals during trials and other court appearance
- Research that may include but is not limited to, City Council, City department and County records.
Minimum Qualifications:
Intern candidate must have a high school diploma or GED. Intern candidate must be currently enrolled in an accredited school of paralegal studies, have an internship requirement as part of their study program, and must be eligible to gain course credit hours for this internship. This program takes place in accordance with the timelines and requirements provided by the participating course or school. Additional terms of commitment to specific internships may be determined at time of hire.
High school students, college students studying in areas other than a paralegal studies program, or people who have previously completed a program are not eligible for the paralegal intern position. The City offers other internship opportunities that may be more suited for people that are not eligible for the paralegal internship.
https://www.austintexas.gov/department/city-austin-college-internship-program
https://www.austintexas.gov/department/high-school-summer-internship-program
The Department only accepts applications during the application window prior to the spring and fall semesters. Applications received outside of this window will not be considered for future semesters.
Application Window:
- Spring Semesters - applications are accepted from November 1st through December 1st prior to the start of the spring semester.
- Fall Semesters - applications are accepted from June 15th through July 15th prior to the start of the fall semester.
Application Required Documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Applications may be sent to paralegalinternship@austintexas.gov.