OVERVIEW OF MELWOOD

Melwood is a dynamic nonprofit that advocates for and empowers individuals with disabilities to transform their lives through unique employment opportunities, job training, life skill improvement, and recreational services. Melwood services help people with disabilities work and play in the community according to their individual preferences. Now celebrating 58 years, Melwood serves more than 2000 people with disabilities in the greater Washington, DC, area.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Legal Intern will work closely with and support the Vice President & Corporate Counsel. The Legal Intern will help with various legal matters, including laws regulating nonprofit organizations, employment and labor law, litigation, tax, IP issues, advocacy, and contract law. This position also offers excellent opportunities to work with Melwood’s outside counsel and gain valuable experience working as in-house counsel at a nonprofit in several legal fields.

The Legal Intern will be paid $20.00 per hour. The responsibilities of the legal intern include:

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist Vice President & Corporate Counsel with the day-to-day management of legal correspondence and contract negotiations
• Assist the Vice President of Government and Public Relations in summarizing relevant legislative or regulatory measures, public comments, and other matters related to advocacy efforts
• Participate in high-level discussions about Melwood’s legal and advocacy strategy
• Review and edit contracts, consulting agreements, and agreements with third-party vendors
• Analyze Melwood’s government contracts to help ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws
• Assist with litigation and regulatory hearings, as needed
• Conduct substantive legal research as needed
• Assist with other responsibilities related to Melwood’s legal department as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidate must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment on a full or half-time basis as a JD-seeking student
• At least one year of completed coursework in law school required
• Ability to work on a team and independently and establish priorities
• Entrepreneurial, flexible, and ability to be self-guided
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and complete multiple task requirements simultaneously
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Proficient computer software skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Adobe, and Outlook