The Legal Intern performs legal research, analysis, and administrative support duties under the direction of the General Counsel. The position assists with legal, regulatory, compliance, governance, and risk management matters affecting the District's operations. This internship provides practical experience in public agency law, utility law, water law, employment law, contract administration, and regulatory compliance while supporting the District's mission to provide reliable water and electric service.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Research & Analysis

• Conduct legal research involving statutes, regulations, case law, administrative decisions, and legal opinions.
• Prepare legal memoranda, summaries, reports, and other written work products.
• Analyze legal issues and provide research support to the General Counsel.

Contracts, Policies & Governance

• Assist in the review of contracts, agreements, policies, procedures, and Board materials.
• Research and analyze issues related to public agency governance and compliance.
• Assist with policy development and document management projects.

Regulatory Compliance & Public Agency Support

• Assist with responses to California Public Records Act requests and related legal matters.
• Research legal issues involving employment law, labor relations, water resources, environmental compliance, and utility operations.
• Support compliance efforts involving local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Administrative & Project Support

• Organize and maintain legal files, records, and reference materials.
• Attend meetings, hearings, and training sessions as assigned.
• Perform special projects and other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Current enrollment in an accredited law school with completion of the first year of law school required.
• Second or third-year law students preferred.
• Recent graduates with a Juris Doctor degree may be considered.

Experience

• Prior internship, research, public agency, legal office, or related experience is desirable but not required.

Skills and Abilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis.
• Prepare clear, concise, and organized written reports and memoranda.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Organize and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, consultants, legal counsel, and outside agencies.

Knowledge

• Legal research methods and legal writing principles.
• Basic principles of public agency law, administrative law, contract law, employment law, or related legal disciplines.
• Microsoft Office applications and legal research tools.

Special Requirements

• Ability to work full-time during the summer internship period.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
• Abide by all District policies, guidelines, and rules.

Internship Duration

• Temporary summer internship position.
• Expected schedule of up to 40 hours per week during summer break, subject to District needs and budget authorization.

Work Environment

• This is a fully on-site position based at the District’s primary office location. Remote work or hybrid arrangements are not permitted; regular attendance at the designated worksite is an essential function of the role.
• Work involves extensive computer use, legal research, document review, and written communication.
• Occasional travel to District facilities, meetings, hearings, or training sessions may be required.

Physical Demands

• Sit and operate computers and office equipment for extended periods.
• Lift and carry files and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.

Mental Demands

• Analyze complex information and legal issues.
• Exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Organize and prioritize assignments in a professional environment.

Supervision

• Receives general supervision from the General Counsel.

Salary Range: $23.00 to $27.00

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, and resume to jobs@mercedid.org

Posted: June 16, 2026