Legal Internship (Law Clerk) at COUNTY OF MERCER – TRENTON, New Jersey

2026 MERCERCOUNTY STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

DEPARTMENT: County Counsel – Legal Intern (Law Clerk)

LOCATION: McDade Administration Building (640 South Broad St, Trenton)

PAYRATE: $17.00 HOUR

POSITION(S)AVAILABLE: 1 College (Law Student)

SCHEDULE& HOURS: Up to 25 hours per week. Schedule to be determined by the department in coordination with the selected intern.

PROGRAMDATES:

June 1, 2026 – July 25, 2026
(Dates may be adjusted slightly to accommodate law school graduation schedules.)

POSITIONOVERVIEW:

The Legal Intern (Law Clerk) will support the Mercer County Office of County Counsel by assisting attorneys with legal research, writing, and case preparation. This internship is designed for current law students who have completed foundational coursework and are seeking hands-on experience in public sector legal practice.

Interns will gain exposure to the role of County Counsel in advising County departments, boards, and officials, while developing practical legal skills in a government setting.

LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:

• Gainpractical experience in public sector legal operations
• Develop advanced legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Understandhow County Counsel supports County departments and government functions
• Learnprofessional standards related to confidentiality, ethics, and legal practice

TASKS,PROJECTS, & FOCUS AREAS:

• Conduct legal research on statutes, regulations, and caselaw
• Draft legal memoranda, discovery materials, briefs, andother legal documents
• Assist attorneys with case preparation and departmentallegal requests
• Review, organize, and maintain legal files and supportingdocumentation
• Attend meetings, hearings, or court proceedings, asappropriate
• Support special legal projects as assigned by supervisingattorneys

Law students who have completed at least 60 credits and areentering their third year (3L) may be eligible to appear in court under thesupervision of a licensed practicing attorney, in accordance with applicablecourt rules.

KEYSKILLS & COMPETENCIES GAINED:

• Legalresearch and analytical skills
• Professionaland legal writing skills
• Attentionto detail and document management
• Understandingof public sector law and government operations
• Professionaljudgment, discretion, and ethical awareness

PREFERREDFIELDS OF STUDY / INTEREST AREAS:

• Law(current law students required)

PERFORMANCE FEEDBACK & EVALUATION:

The internwill receive ongoing supervision and feedback from County Counsel staff,including regular check-ins focused on work quality, professionalism, skilldevelopment, and overall performance.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILTIY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must becurrently enrolled in an accredited law school
• Must havecompleted a minimum of 30 law school credits prior to the start of theinternship
• Lawstudents who have completed 60 credits and are entering their 3L year may beeligible for supervised court appearances
• Mustreside in Mercer County or attend a college or university located within MercerCounty
• Exceptionsmay be made based on departmental needs and operational considerations

Forquestions regarding the Mercer County Student Internship Program, includingavailable departments and internship placements, please visit:

Mercer County Student Internship Program

Foradditional assistance, please contact:
Bradley Miller
Human Resources Coordinator
bmiller@mercercounty.org

Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements:

Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.

Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.