Legal Intern

SUMMER INTERNSHIP

Position Title: Legal Intern

Reports To:  General Counsel or Designee

Job Summary:

The Summer Legal Intern supports the legal, compliance, governance, and policy functions of a tribal health organization operating under a 638 framework. This paid internship is designed for a qualified first- or second-year American Indian/Alaska Native law student with a demonstrated interest in healthcare law, Federal Indian law, tribal governance, and self-determination.

The Summer Legal Intern will gain practical experience through legal research, writing, policy analysis, contract review support, and special projects related to tribal health operations. The intern will have an opportunity to learn about the legal and regulatory environment affecting tribal health organizations, including Public Law 93-638, tribal sovereignty, healthcare operations, compliance, employment matters, governance, and related legal issues.

This position offers meaningful exposure to mission-driven legal work that supports tribal communities, health equity, and organizational excellence. 

Essential Functions:

The following functions are fundamental to the position and are required of all incumbents, with or without reasonable accommodation. These functions define the role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties.

•    Conducts legal research and analysis on matters related to healthcare law, Federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, Public Law 93-638, employment law, privacy, compliance, governance, and administrative law. 

•    Assists in drafting legal memoranda, briefing materials, summaries, correspondence, and issue analyses for leadership and internal stakeholders. 

•    Supports review of policies, procedures, contracts, agreements, and other organizational documents for legal and operational consistency. 

•    Assists with research and project work involving tribal health systems, self-governance, self-determination, and regulatory compliance. 

•    Organizes and summarizes legal and regulatory information in a clear, practical format for operational use. 

•    Participates in meetings with legal, executive, compliance, operational, and departmental leaders as appropriate. 

•    Assists with special projects involving governance, risk management, workforce issues, healthcare operations, and strategic initiatives. 

•    Maintains confidentiality of sensitive legal, personnel, operational, and organizational information. 

•    Supports the development of legal resource materials, templates, trackers, and internal guidance documents. 

•    Performs other related duties as assigned in support of organizational operations and internship learning objectives.

Physical and Environment Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical demands and work environment may include:

•  Primarily sedentary work is performed in an office or administrative setting. 

•  Requires the ability to sit for extended periods and regularly use standard office equipment such as a computer, keyboard, telephone, and copier. 

•  Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required. 

•  Ability to lift and carry office materials or supplies up to 25 pounds occasionally. 

•  Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity for computer use and document review. 

•  Must be able to read, write, speak, and hear.

•  Work is performed primarily in an indoor office or administrative environment. 

•  The environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of office settings, including proper use of office equipment and awareness of trips, falls, and fire regulations. 

•  The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. 

•  Minimal exposure to hazardous conditions; no routine exposure to clinical, field, or high risk environments. 

•  Occasional attendance at meetings, training sessions, or events may require travel within the organization's facilities.

Education/Experience/Certificates/Credentials

Minimum Qualifications

•    Current first-year or second-year law student in good standing at an accredited law school. 

•    American Indian or Alaska Native student preferred and/or eligible for Native preference consideration consistent with applicable law and organizational policy. 

•    Demonstrated interest in healthcare law, Federal Indian law, tribal law, 638/self-governance issues, public service, or related legal fields. 

•    Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. 

•    Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

•    Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information. 

•    Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with supervisors and internal stakeholders. 

Preferred Qualifications

•    Lived, academic, or professional experience related to tribal communities, tribal governance, Indian health systems, or Native-serving institutions. 

•    Prior coursework or experience in Indian law, administrative law, health law, employment law, or public policy. 

•    Experience with legal research platforms such as Westlaw or Lexis. 

•    Interest in long-term work supporting tribal organizations, public health, or Native communities.

The GPTLHB is a tribal organization which follows tribal preference laws. It is our policy to give preference

to qualified Indian/Tribal candidates over qualified non-native candidates in hiring decisions, if all other

qualifications are equal.

Employment is contingent upon the outcome of all required criminal background checks and drug test.

Compliance with our Employee Health Procedure is a condition of employment. You are required to

agree that you will comply with all job-related employee health screening and immunizations prior

to your first day of employment. Jobs require that you have documentation that you have

completed the following immunizations prior to your first day of employment: MMR (Measles,

Mumps and Rubella, Varicella (Chicken Pox), Hepatitis B, Influenza, T-dap (Tetanus - Diphtheria -

Pertussis), and COVID-19 vaccination is required.