Description:
Who we are:The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking 2027 Spring Externs.
What You'll Do:
The majority of the extern's time will be spent researching, writing, and analyzing legal issues. This may involve the preparation of draft opinions, bench memos and memos discussing discretionary appeals and complaints for writs, speeches, or individualized research projects. The extern will be assigned to a judicial attorney and will have their work reviewed by that attorney. Externs will also be able to observe oral arguments on the merits of cases when the Court is in session.
Justice Daniel R. Hawkins
Contact: Gabriella Lepof
- Openings for Spring 2027
- Number of positions: 1-2
- Flexible, can work with student's schedule. Typically, 8-10 hours per week.
- Externs will be tasked with reviewing and analyzing arguments, conducting legal research, and drafting jurisdictional and bench memoranda for Justice Hawkins' review. The ideal extern is a 2L or 3L with exceptional legal writing skills.
Additional Information:
To Apply:
If you are interested in one or more of the positions available, email your resume and cover letter to Recruiting@sc.ohio.gov by Monday, October 26, 2026 at 11:59 EST. In the body of your email, be sure to indicate the office you are interested in, and the level of law school you have completed.
Background Checks
The Final Candidate Selected for The Position Will Be Required to Undergo a Pre-Employment Drug Screening and A Criminal Background Check. Criminal Convictions Do Not Necessarily Preclude an Applicant from Consideration for A Position. an Individual Assessment of An Applicant's Prior Criminal Convictions Will Be Made Before Excluding an Applicant from Consideration
Outside Employment
During the Term of An Externship with The Supreme Court of Ohio, Externs Shall Not Simultaneously Hold or Participate in Any Other Externship, Internship, Clerkship, or Employment in A Legal-Related Position, Whether Paid or Unpaid, without Prior Written Approval.
Why Work for The State of Ohio:
At the State of Ohio, We Take Care of The Team that Cares for Ohioans. We Provide a Variety of Quality, Competitive Benefits to Eligible Full-Time and Part-Time Employees*. for A List of All the State of Ohio Benefits, Visit Our Total Rewards Website (https://careers.ohio.gov/why-work-for-state-of-ohio)! Our Benefits Package Includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance Premiums After Completion of Eligibility Period (https://careers.ohio.gov/why-work-for-state-of-ohio/healthcare/01-health-care)
- Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Personal, Sick Leave and 11 Paid Holidays per Year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care Leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and More)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as Opers, Strs, Sers, and Hprs) (https://das.ohio.gov/employee-relations/benefits-administration/about-my-benefits/retirement-systems) & Optional Deferred Compensation (ohio Deferred Compensation) (https://www.ohio457.org/home)
Qualifications:
Current Enrollment in An Accredited Juris Doctor (j.D.), Juris Master (j.M.), or Master of Legal Studies (m.L.S.) Program.
The Ideal Extern Is a 2 L or 3 L with Exceptional Legal Writing Skills.
Ada Statement:
Ohio Is a Disability Inclusion State and Strives to Be a Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. the State of Ohio Is Committed to Providing Access and Inclusion and Reasonable Accommodation in Its Services, Activities, Programs and Employment Opportunities in Accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ada) and Other Applicable Laws.
Drug-Free Workplace:
The State of Ohio Is a Drug-Free Workplace Which Prohibits the Use of Marijuana (recreational Marijuana/non-Medical Cannabis). Please Note, This Position May Be Subject to Additional Restrictions Pursuant to The State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (hr-39), and As Outlined in The Posting.