Legal Intern - Summer 2026

SUMMARY:

The Pechanga Tribal Government Legal Intern will work on cutting-edge legal projects under the direct supervision and guidance of experienced attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel. The Legal Intern will perform legal research and writing assisting the Office of the General Counsel in its role representing and advising the Pechanga Band and its governmental and corporate entities.

The internship period will extend for 8 weeks in Summer 2026, with start and end dates to be determined based on the Legal Interns law school calendar. In order to maximize the training benefit of the internship, the Legal Intern will be expected to work in person on the Pechanga Indian Reservation for the duration of the internship period. Telecommuting will not be permitted.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Legal Intern will provide vital assistance with legal matters under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney. Responsibilities include:

Conduct legal research and draft associated memoranda

Assist with the drafting of tribal legislation, ordinances, resolutions, administrative rules and regulations, policies and procedures, contracts and other documents and instruments

Manage and update databases of tribal law

Must adhere to all policies and procedures of the Pechanga Tribal Government

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must be currently enrolled as a 2L at an ABA accredited law school

Must have completed coursework in American Indian law including, at a minimum, Federal Indian Law

Must be able to conduct legal and general research that is accurate and thorough

Must have excellent capacity to organize and establish priorities

Must have the ability to manage multiple projects effectively and meet firm deadlines

Strong written and oral advocacy skills are required

Must comply with the Pechanga Tribal Governments Drug-Free Workplace Policy, including pre-employment, post-accident or injury, and random drug testing

Must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Must have good written and verbal communication skills and an excellent ability to advocate and persuade

Must have the ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems

Must possess good interpersonal skills and have the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with attorneys and support staff

Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Pechanga community, Tribal Council, Tribal department staff, committee members and other parties

Must have a thorough knowledge of and commitment to professional ethics standards, particularly those rules that relate to the representation of governments and other organizations

Must have proficiency in legal research techniques, good electronic and library research skills, and a good working knowledge of other legal resources

Must have the ability to be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations