Legal Internship

Job Description

Salary:            $25 per hour, up to 100 hours
Closing Date: November 15, 2026
Location:        Bismarck, ND

Summary of Work
The ND Protection and Advocacy Project is the leading civil rights organization for people with disabilities in North Dakota. P&A is a federally mandated, independent state agency established in 1977 to advance the legal rights of people with disabilities. P&A provides a continuum of services from information/referral to legal representation. Learn more about the P&A at https://ndpanda.org.
P&A is offering a paid internship for high-achieving 2L and 3L law students with an interest in disability law.  
The successful candidate would get the opportunity to:

• Perform interesting, challenging work to further the rights of people with disabilities.

• Assist with active legal cases, meet clients, prepare briefs/affidavits.

• Perform legal research, writing, and drafting of documents.

• Gain extensive experience in federal law, state law, and administrative law.

• Collaborate and network with professionals statewide.

• Engages in policy work by monitoring state and federal legislation, attending administrative and legislative hearings.

• Researches and writes detailed position papers on disability issues that may be used during upcoming legislative session.

• Gain valuable legal experience and mentorship.

• Add a prestigious fellowship to your resume.

Minimum Qualifications

• Student should be in their second year of law school or higher.

• Achieved at least a 2.5 GPA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Achieved 3.0 GPA.

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.

• Interest in the legislative process.

• Coursework or experience in administrative law, constitutional law, government ethics, or a related area.

• Experience analyzing statutes and regulations.

• Interest in pursuing a career in government, public service, administrative law, or a related area.

• Community service or other activities demonstrating interest in disability, public policy, administrative law, public service, or a related area of law.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.

About Team ND
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.
Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.
Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures
Applicants are screened based on qualifications, successful completion of the interview process and satisfactory reference checks.  Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.  The Protection and Advocacy Project does not provide sponsorships.
Application package must be received by 11:59 PM on the closing date listed on the posting.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT:  www.nd.gov/careers
Documents to be submitted:

• Resume

• Cover letter describing why you would like to intern with P&A

• 3 Professional References

• Law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable)

ND Relay Number 1 (800) 366-688

Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.