SUMMER LAW INTERN
POSITION SUMMARY:
Assists the Chief Analytics Officer and the Manager of Justice Collaborations at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, as well as the attorneys on the Executive Committee of the Allegheny County Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Task Force to update the Handbook on Domestic Violence Legal Proceedings and Resources in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The law student will perform legal research and writing to update domestic violence (DV) statutes and case law referenced in the Handbook. The student will also research local legal procedures, specialized courts, justice system components, and community resources that support DV/IPV victims accessing the justice system and update the DV Handbook Appendices with this information. The intern may also conduct other legal and best practice research, draft memos, and participate in Executive Committee and broader Taskforce meetings.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assists Kathryn Collins, PhD, Chief Analytics Officer, Allegheny County Department of Human Services,
in her work as coordinator of the Executive Committee of the Allegheny County IPV Task Force as it develops DV training for Common Pleas Judges and Magisterial District Judges and seeks to improve the response of the local justice system to IPV.
- Meets on a weekly basis with the attorneys of the Executive Committee of the IPV Task Force: Lorraine Bittner, Chief Legal Officer of the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh; Michael Sullivan, Deputy District Attorney (DA) and Supervisor the DA’s DV Unit; Beth Keenan, Esquire – Family Court Administrator, Protection from Abuse Unit; and Angharad Stock, Esquire, Chief Deputy Court Administrator, Fifth Judicial District of PA.
- Works to update the narrative and appendices of the 2015 Handbook on Domestic Violence Legal Proceedings and Resources in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania under the guidance of the Executive Committee of the IPV Task Force.
- Provides legal research on domestic violence statutes and case law needed for the Handbook and training.
- Researches and observes local court procedures and forms for processing cases of IPV in both civil and criminal courts and updates the Handbook as necessary with reference to procedures and forms.
- Updates the Handbook’s Appendices on community resources that can assist victims of IPV.
- Participates in Executive Committee and Taskforce meetings
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, which may include other legal or best practice research and memo-drafting.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current enrollment in an accredited law school and have completed at least two (2) semesters
- Strong legal research and writing ability, and effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- A demonstration of the understanding of abusive family dynamics, including intimate partner violence, cycle of abuse, power and control dynamics, cultural diversity issues and child abuse and neglect
- Ability to establish healthy boundaries, trust, respect, and rapport with others
- Strong command of general technology, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite
SALARY & BENEFITS:
- This position can be part-time (up to 20 hours/week) or full-time, and we welcome interest from students who can dedicate fewer hours during the summer of 2023, increasing to more hours during the fall semester, or vice versa.
- This position is not benefits-eligible.
- Compensation: $12/hour
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Allegheny County Residency (local student address)
- It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check.
- This is not a remote-work position
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.