Student Aide III – Legal Internship Opportunity | NYS Unified Court System
Written by DJ Sight on December 3, 2025
Student Aide III – Legal Internship Opportunity
NYS Unified Court System | Summer 2026
Position Title: Student Aide III (Legal Internship)
Job Group: NS
Location: Multiple locations across New York State
Compensation: $30.00 per hour
Appointment Type: Full-Time, Temporary
Program Dates: July 6, 2026 – August 12, 2026
About the Program
The New York State Unified Court System is committed to delivering equal justice under the law. To foster civic education, professional readiness, and public service, we offer a statewide Internship Program for motivated law students. Interns gain hands-on experience in court operations and exposure to the work of judges, attorneys, clerks, court officers, interpreters, and other justice-system professionals.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Completion of one or two years of study in a J.D. program at an accredited law school by the start of the internship, or
- Enrollment in an LL.M. program at an accredited law school.
What You’ll Do
Interns will have the opportunity to:
- Conduct legal research and assist with drafting memoranda, opinions, and other legal documents.
- Observe court proceedings, including oral arguments and trials.
- Support case preparation and review, including legal issue analysis for judges and court staff.
- Attend hearings and trials throughout the judicial system.
- Collaborate with court personnel on ongoing legal matters.
- Contribute to general court operations and complete additional duties as assigned.
Placement Locations
Interns may be placed in a District Office located in:
Albany, Schenectady, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Buffalo, White Plains, Mineola, or Central Islip,
or in a Chief Clerk’s Office in any of New York City’s five boroughs.
Who Should Apply
This program is designed to create opportunities for individuals who have had limited or no prior exposure to the court system.
We encourage applications from:
- Students from economically disadvantaged or underserved communities
- Students with a strong interest in the justice system or legal profession
Please Note:
Family members of judges and court employees are not eligible for this program. Applicants are selected based on their ideas, initiative, and enthusiasm—not prior connections.
How to Apply
Submit the following materials to:
Hon. Edwina Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives
Email: OJI-Applications@nycourts.gov
Required Materials:
- UCS-5 Application for Employment
Available at court administrative offices or online at:
nycourts.gov/careers/UCS5.pdf - One-page essay responding to the prompt:
“Can you share a personal experience or moment—big or small—that sparked your interest in the law or inspired you to pursue a legal career? What did it teach you about justice, fairness, or advocacy?”
Applicants are encouraged to complete the Equal Employment Opportunity Data Collection Form.
Important Dates
- Posting Date: December 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 6, 2026
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