Job Abstract

Description

Join our Legal Services team at SCAG! We are thrilled to offer a paid internship that provides law students and recent graduates with practical work experience and the opportunity to build valuable relationships with industry experts and colleagues. The Legal Services Division is seeking an intern who will gain hands-on experience through providing legal assistance and support in contract drafting and reviewing, Brown Act compliance, Public Records Act (PRA) issues, internal policy development, and legal research and memoranda preparation. Responsibilities may include: assisting with the review, development, and negotiation of agreements; reviewing public meeting agendas and observing public meetings; assisting with handling Public Records Act requests and conducting research related to the same; assisting in development and providing advice on administration of SCAG policies and procedures; and conducting legal research and preparing memoranda on various topics related to Metropolitan Planning Organizations, municipal governance, and public agency law.

The Legal Services Division is comprised of two attorneys, collectively serving as the legal support for approximately 230 employees. The Division serves as a trusted advisor to all levels of SCAG’s divisions in the development and implementation of legal and operational solutions for SCAG’s work. The Division is a primary partner in identifying, implementing, and encouraging compliance with risk management practices to minimize organizational liability. As the internal strategic legal resource for SCAG, we are committed to efficiently providing high-quality legal assistance tailored to the dynamic needs of the organization. We pride ourselves on offering creative solutions that not only address legal challenges but also propel SCAG towards the achievement of its operational objectives.

Internships will begin approximately mid-July and will be limited to a maximum of 29 hours a week for the duration of the internship (499 hours). Interns are expected to work at least 15 hours per week.

SCAG is deeply committed to embodying the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and advancing racial equity throughout the Southern California region. SCAG encourages applications by members of all underrepresented groups.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork are fostered.

SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations. Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG’s mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools.

As part of our Work@SCAG hybrid approach, employees’ eligibility in the three work models (office, hybrid, remote) will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties at the discretion of management. All work models require employees to work from a location based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to be in the office as needed but encouraged to be in the office one day a week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION

To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION

Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative, and transparent in the work we do.
Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold, and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.

In this role you can expect to

Assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating MOUs and contracts with other public agencies and contractors and vendors providing goods and services to SCAG.
Assist with Public Records Act (PRA) issues by reviewing PRA requests and responsive records, drafting responses to requests, and conducting legal research as needed.
Gain experience complying with the Brown Act by reviewing meeting agendas and observing public meetings.
Assist in the development of SCAG policies and procedures and provide advice on policy implementation.
Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda.

Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

An undergraduate or graduate student who is currently enrolled in law school, a university, or community college taking classes toward a JD, Political Science, Criminology, Law degree, or a related field, or who has graduated within the previous 24 months.

We’ll be a great match if you have:

Knowledge and/or experience reviewing, drafting and/or negotiating contracts.
Basic knowledge of the California Public Records Act and the Brown Act.
Solid organizational and multitasking skills and the ability to meet deadlines and stay on task.
Ability to manage time effectively, work independently and take initiative.
Good communication skills and ability to work well in a team.
Experience using Office 365 suite.
Knowledge of Microsoft Teams.

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until May 22nd, 2024, with the first application review taking place on May 8th, 2024. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

The information you provide on the application and supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the hiring process. Please be advised that failure to provide complete and accurate information in the application and supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification of your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Please be as specific as possible and include all information as requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a sufficient response. Please note that all information is subject to verification at any time in the hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Southern California Association of Governments is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, mental condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We strive to embrace and actively support an inclusive and diverse work environment where the personal dignity of each person is recognized, valued, and celebrated. To achieve this objective, we must hire, retain, and inspire the right people to do the right work. Each member of the workforce is charged with contributing diversity of thought through intersectional identities and experiences.

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Apply with Southern California Association of Governments

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