Law Intern

MWRD's Internship Program offers paid internship positions. While the main focus is on wastewater management, there are opportunities to gain knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of functions in each department.

Paid Interns

Paid interns are limited to 119 working days per calendar year and receive $18.00 per hour. 

Required Documents:

• Letter of recommendation from a class instructor, professor, or Internship Coordinator from current school or university.
• Cover letter stating interest in position.
• Resume.
• Writing sample of at least three pages in length but no more than ten pages.

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university and will be enrolled in the 2026/2027 school year.
• Permanent residency within the territorial boundaries of the MWRD (students may attend school outside the territorial boundaries).
• You must be a citizen or national of the United States, or an individual who is otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States.

Candidates are required to submit the Online Internship Application, cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation through MWRD’s Online Employment Center.

Questions regarding the internship program may be directed to MWRDInternships@mwrd.org.

Position Title:

Law Intern

Department:

Law Department

Location:

Main Office Building

100 East Erie Street

Chicago, IL 60611

Description:

The MWRD Law Department is seeking Interns for the summer of 2026. Law Department Interns will work on at least one substantive project, including possible litigation opportunities, from each of the Law Department's major practice areas:  Environmental, Construction and Torts; Employment; User Charge/Cost Recovery; Real Estate; and Legislation and Contracts. Writing and editing assignments include preparing litigation pleadings, reviewing and drafting transactional documents and researching and writing persuasive and analytic memos.

While a Rule 711 license is not required, Interns who have one may have opportunities to appear in court or to present or examine witnesses at contested administrative hearings, as MWRD attorneys engage in litigation in a wide variety of administrative, state, and federal tribunals.

Expected work hours are 21 - 35 hours a week, 3 - 7 hours a day. All work hours will occur between 8:45 AM - 4:30 PM. The internship will be entirely in-person. Remote work is not an option for the internship.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

An Intern must already have a B.A. or B.S. degree and be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school as a candidate for a JD or LLM degree. An Intern must have completed a minimum of one (1) year of law school by the time the Internship begins. An Interns must demonstrate professionalism and sound judgment, possess excellent legal research, writing and editing skills, and be familiar with law office technologies, including Westlaw for legal research Rule 711 license is not required, but could be useful.

Candidates should complete the online application and submit a resume and a writing sample (3-10 pages). An applicant may submit a letter of recommendation from a former employer or professor, but such a letter is not required.

Educational Requirements:

• Must be currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school.
• Must be a candidate for a JD or LLM degree.
• Completed at least (1) year of law school.