Internships
Purpose
The use of law students provides our agency with legal resources. In tight municipal budgets, it is not always possible to have attorneys available for the necessary legal research and writing to operate efficiently and provide services to our client, the City of Madison.
As a public law office, our agency believes it has an obligation to assist in the training of law students. We strive to provide a meaningful experience that will assist students in becoming better lawyers and provide exposure to municipal and public sector law.
General Description
Except for the prosecution internship, the clerkships/internships are primarily legal research and writing positions in which the students will receive a variety of short-term assignments. We strive to provide experiences that introduce students to municipal law issues and City of Madison agencies, staff and officials. Students may assist attorneys in drafting memos, briefs, ordinances, legal opinions or other documents for a variety of audiences. They may also have opportunities to observe or participate in meetings and hearings.
During the school year, students typically work remotely but are welcome to work in the office. During the summer, students may work remotely for part of the week, but working in the office during a significant part of the clerkship generally provides a more varied and interesting experience.
Student Eligibility
Only law students who have completed their first year of law school are eligible for clerkships/internships. Students at any law school are eligible to apply, although, as will be seen from the descriptions below, it is much more likely that students from the University of Wisconsin Law School or Marquette University Law School will be hired for the internships.
Types of Internships
Full-time clerkship/internships during the summer, and part-time internships during the school year. These internships are for a specified duration of time, that is, there is no expectation that a student completing a summer internship will necessarily continue into the school year, nor is there any expectation that those working in the school year will work in the summer. However, students are not restricted from applying for both internships.
Summer positions are full-time and paid, subject to funds being approved in the City budget. Currently, our agency budget does not have budgeted funds to pay students during the school year and is offering internships through the Government and Legislative Clinc at the UW Law School in which students work for school credit.
Summer Internships
Three students will be hired for approximately eight to ten week internships during the summer. These interns will normally be drawn from three specific programs:
UW Law School - Prosecution Internship Program
This program is operated through the UW Law School. The student chosen for this internship will concentrate on assisting the prosecutors, including appearing in municipal court. It is anticipated that the student will, by the end of the internship, be able to individually handle municipal ordinance prosecution matters.
The intern also will have research and writing responsibilities. This opportunity is contingent upon the capacity of the Prosecution Unit and the assignment of students by the Law School’s Prosecution Program.
State Bar of Wisconsin - Diversity Clerkship Program
This internship program is operated through the State Bar of Wisconsin. It seeks qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds. Students interested in this program should contact the State Bar of Wisconsin. This internship will primarily consist of research, writing and assisting attorneys that represent City agencies.
State Bar of WI Diversity Clerkship Program
Public Interest Internship
This internship is designed for students who have a dedicated interest in
working in a governmental law office. Interviews will be coordinated through the annual Public Interest Job Fair conducted by the University of Wisconsin Law School Placement Office. This summer internship will focus on research, writing and assisting attorneys that represent City agencies.
School Year Internships
During the academic year, two-three student internships are available, working 10-15 hours per week. These students primarily will be involved in research and writing assignments, although a prosecution-focused internship is possible. To provide the most well-rounded experience, these students are typically drawn from the UW Law School’s Government and Legislative Clinic.