Government Practice Externships
Federal Aviation Administration – Office of Aeronautical Center Counsel
The U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Aviation Administration is a small full-service legal office located on the west side of Will Rogers World Airport. The office handles administrative issues that include: Employment/Labor law, Ethics, Contracts, and Trust review as they relate to Aircraft Registration issues. Administrative law includes enforcement issues around Federal Aviation regulations, tort claims, and Property law.
Prerequisites: Administrative Law is recommended but not required. A Legal Intern’s License is not required.
Internal Revenue Service
The IRS is organized to carry out the responsibilities of the secretary of the Treasury under section 7801 of the Internal Revenue Code. The secretary has full authority to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws and has the power to create an agency to enforce these laws. The IRS was created based on this legislative grant.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed the required curriculum and Income Tax Law course. Preference is given to the top third of the class.
Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission
The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission is a multi-state government agency that is passionate about advancing the quality of life for all Americans. However, without energy, the quality of life we enjoy today would not exist. That’s why the Commission works to ensure our nation’s oil and natural gas resources are conserved and maximized while protecting health, safety, and the environment.
It’s no secret that American energy is the most valuable to our nation. The responsible development of our own resources not only strengthens our economy by creating and maintaining jobs, but also lessens our dependence on foreign resources, making oil and natural gas more affordable for consumers.
The IOGCC advocates for environmentally-sound ways to increase the supply of American energy. We accomplish this by providing governors of member states with a clear and unified voice to Congress, while also serving as the authority on issues surrounding these vital resources.
The Commission also assists states in balancing a multitude of interests through sound regulatory practices. Our unique structure offers a highly effective forum for states, industry, Congress, and the environmental community to share information and viewpoints to advance our nation’s energy future. We stand dedicated to securing resources needed to ensure our nation’s energy, economic, and national security.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Constitutional law.
Office of Management & Enterprise Services
The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is a single state agency resulting from efforts to modernize and streamline the operations of state government by consolidating multiple state agencies that provide back-end functions for entities that support the citizenry. OMES divisions include Central Accounting and Reporting; Human Capital Management; Central Purchasing; Information Services; Capital Asset Management; Employees Group Insurance; and Budget & Policy. The OMES legal division is comprised of 10 lawyers with varying specialties. The practices primarily focus on Constitutional law, contracts, property law, employment law, insurance law, health law, Indian law, and administrative law.
The opportunities for a law student include exposure and research in the aforementioned areas of practice. The Central Accounting and Reporting division will expose the students to establishing the policies and procedures for state financial transactions and for executing those transactions in accordance with various state statutes, federal regulations, and governmental accounting and reporting standards.
The Human Capital Management division will expose the student to the Oklahoma Personnel Act, Federal Employment laws and regulations, and potentially an interface with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission. The student will experience the legal support required for a statewide staff in the areas of hiring, training, employee discipline processers, payroll, employee benefits, and a state retirement system.
The Central Purchasing division will expose the student to the tasks of procurement contracts, both statewide and agency acquisitions, including the entire bidding process, along with sole source acquisitions and purchases outside the Central Purchasing Act. A supplier may protest a contract award by a state agency or OMES to the State Purchasing Director. The student may be involved in reviewing contracts and protests, fact finding related to contract awards, and any subsequent protests and drafting of the protest response for the State Purchasing Director.
The Capital Asset Management division will expose the student to basic property law including construction, facilities management, property distribution, along with real estate and leasing services. The student will also experience the legal applications in association with central printing and interagency mail, fleet management, risk management and state surplus, along with the support of a number of state boards and commissions, including the Capitol Preservation Commission and the Long-Range Capital Planning Commission.
The Employees Group Insurance department will expose the student to contracting with hospitals, doctors, and claims payers. The student will see that a significant amount of work revolves around the legal aspects of the Health Insurance Accountability and Portability Act, as well as the subjects of subrogation, administrative rulemaking, grievance panel hearings, life insurance claims, and numerous other employee insurance topics, including disability claims.
The Information Services division will expose the student to transactions and business situations that heavily involve information technology. The position offers an opportunity for exposure to IT transactions and associated IT-specific concepts and often-negotiated terms. The work includes drafting preliminary legal opinions and internal memorandums in areas related to IT transactions, contracts, data security, and interpretation of state and federal statutes. The individual will assist with the review and assessment of applicable IT contract documents and contract terms submitted by IT vendors. This will include review of software license agreements, maintenance and support agreements, hosting agreements, confidentiality and limitation of liability statements, warranties, etc.
Due to the Open Records Act, all records of public bodies and public officials shall be open to any person for inspection, copying, and/or mechanical reproduction during regular business hours. As Government lawyers, the staff handles Open Records requests many times on a daily basis. The student will be exposed to the process of fulfilling these requests and the possible need for confidentiality of the information during the review of the documents.
OMES is interested in utilizing one student dedicated to the Information Services Division and one student that is interested in the opportunities presented by the Human Capital Management, Central Purchasing, Capital Asset Management, and Employees Group Insurance Divisions.
In addition to the continual legal research that is required to navigate the existing statutory and regulatory landscape, the legal staff of OMES also work on various legislative drafting projects for their respective divisions. The Legal division is greatly interested in obtaining a spring intern to assist OMES in working with the OMES legislative liaison.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed the first year required curriculum. A Legal Intern’s License is not required.
Office of the Governor
The Governor of the State of Oklahoma is the head of state for the State of Oklahoma, United States. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, the Governor is also the head of government, serving as the chief executive of the Oklahoma executive branch, of the government of Oklahoma. The Governor is the ex officio Commander-in-Chief of the Oklahoma National Guard when not called into Federal use. Despite being an executive branch official, the Governor also possesses legislative and judicial powers. The Governor’s responsibilities include making yearly “State of the State” addresses to the Oklahoma Legislature, submitting the annual State budget, ensuring that state laws are enforced, and that the peace is preserved.
Prerequisites: Administrative Law is recommended but not required. A Legal Intern’s License is not required.
Oklahoma Attorney General
By statute, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal counsel and representation for state agencies and employees. The office also represents the interests of Oklahoma consumers, the state’s natural resources, and Oklahoma crime victims.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Civil Procedure, and Constitutional Law courses. A Legal Intern’s License is not required.
Civil Rights Enforcement Unit
The Office of Civil Rights Enforcement has the authority to investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and age (40 and above) (plus familial status in housing). The unit also accepts, serves, and reports on complaints of racial profiling based on race and national origin.
Legal Counsel Unit
In addition to several specialized duties, the Legal Counsel Unit provides day-to-day legal advice for state agencies, boards, and commissions.
Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority
The Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority (OCIA) is an Oklahoma state agency responsible for issuing bonds to finance the construction of buildings, roads, and other facilities for the State of Oklahoma, its departments, and agencies.
The extern will be exposed to a variety of areas, with primary focus on Title 73 of the Oklahoma Revised Statutes and Title 26 of the U.S. Code. The extern will become familiar with the bond issuance process, post issuance administration, and the continuous reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, the extern will have the opportunity to work with outside financial advisors, bond counsel, tax counsel, and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
Oklahoma City County Health Department (OCCHD)
The Oklahoma City Health Department was established in 1910 to deal with the basic sanitation and disease control problems of Oklahoma City’s rapidly growing new community. In 1939, Oklahoma County established its own badly needed health department. The two departments merged in 1954, and OCCHD is currently located at 921 NE 23rd Street, just east of the State Capitol.
OCCHD has continued to serve the Oklahoma City metro area and county with programs and services offered to every citizen of Oklahoma County. Since its initial inception, OCCHD has expanded its locations around Oklahoma County to better serve the community.
There are two (2) separate opportunities for externs with OCCHD. The first opportunity is to assist in the preparation of a “bench book” and the second opportunity is participation on a holistic health and legal assessment team.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Civil Procedure and Legal Research and Writing. A Legal Intern’s License is not required.
OKC Municipal Counselor’s Office
The Municipal Counselor is appointed by the City Council. The Counselor’s office represents and defends the City, its elected officials and employees, and its municipal trusts in legal proceedings. It also advises the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, department heads, along with the City’s trusts, boards, and commissions. The Counselor’s office responsible preparing legal opinions and ordinances to be considered by Council. It reviews Council agenda items for legality.
The Counselor’s office reviews and process claims filed pursuant to the Governmental Tort Claims Act, the state law which sets guidelines for lawsuits and claims against government bodies. When the City itself is the victim of negligent acts, such as damage to City property or injuries to City workers by third parties, the Counselor’s office is responsible for collecting damage claims. The Counselor’s office prosecutes violations of City ordinances in the Municipal Court. Our staff also provides support to the MAPS and MAPS for Kids projects.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Civil Procedure, and Constitutional Law courses. A Legal Intern’s License is recommended but not required.
Oklahoma Corporation Commission
Office of Judicial and Legislative Services
JLS is the agency’s hearings division. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) may act as a court of record within its areas of regulatory jurisdiction. The OCC’s JLS manages its hearing procedures, trial and exhibit recording, transcription requirements, court document filing and processing, and indexing/research systems.
Office of General Counsel
The Office of General Counsel provides legal services to the Corporation Commission, represents the Commission and its employees in matters before the state and federal courts and administrative agencies, and advises the Commission concerning legislation, Commission rules, and contracts. Services are provided through six specialized sections: Agency Counsel, Consumer Services, Deliberations, Petroleum Storage Tank/Transportation, Oil & Gas, and Public Utilities.
- Public Utilities
- Oil and Gas Conservation
Office of Administrative Proceedings
- Fulfills the Commission’s constitutional and statutory court of record duties by ensuring the opportunity for fair and open hearings, after proper notice, in all jurisdictional areas;
- Processes and maintains all public records pertaining to hearing applications, notices, and orders;
- Provides public access to all docket information, public records of applications, notices and affidavits, hearing transcripts or recordings, exhibits, ALJ reports and recommendations, Commission decisions, and interlocutory and final orders.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Civil Procedure and Legal Research and Writing. Constitutional Law, Oil and Gas, Property, Administrative Law, Environmental Law, and Professional Responsibility are recommended. A Legal Intern’s License is only required if the student wishes to conduct contested hearings.
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture
Office of General Counsel
Office of General Counsel facilitates the rulemaking process and assists in assuring compliance with laws applicable to agriculture by auditing and investigating violations of the Oklahoma Agriculture Code and laws mandated by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Oklahoma Board of Agriculture
Attorneys work on a variety of cases and provide legal counsel about laws, rules and procedures involved in different administrative, civil, and criminal actions. They draft and review contracts, memorandums of understanding, and settlement agreements. In administrative proceedings, they serve as meeting and hearing officers.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Civil Procedure and Legal Research and Writing. A Legal Intern’s License is only required if the student wishes to conduct contested hearings.
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
Externs will assist in the General Counsel’s office in reviewing and drafting pleadings related to offender misconduct, habeas corpus, employment issues, institutional law library issues, sex offender registration, and responding to requests from correctional facilities.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Civil Procedure and Legal Research and Writing. Completion of Criminal Law is preferred. A Legal Intern’s License is not required.
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality is to enhance the quality of life in Oklahoma and protect the health of its citizens by protecting, preserving and restoring the water, land, and air of the state, thus fostering a clean, attractive, healthy, prosperous, and sustainable environment.
The vision of the Department of Environmental Quality is to eliminate the effects of unintended consequences of historic development, to prevent new adverse environmental impacts, and to provide significant input into national decision making; all the while enhancing both the environment and the economy of Oklahoma.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Civil Procedure and Legal Research and Writing. A Legal Intern’s License is not required.
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
General Counsel Office
Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Legal Services provides legal advice and representation to DHS administrative and program activities. It includes the Legal Unit, Appeals Unit, and Office of Administrative Hearings: Child Support.
Child Enforcement Division
The mission of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Support Services is to promote healthy families by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing reliable support while encouraging self-sufficiency and strengthening relationships.
Prerequisites: A Legal Intern’s License is only required if the student wishes to conduct contested hearings. It is recommended, but not required, that students have completed Family Law and Interviewing, Negotiating, and Counseling.
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Externs will be working in the Legal Division of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The Legal Division advises the Commissioner of Public Safety, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and other Department personnel on legal matters and its personnel appear on behalf of the Department in various administrative hearings and other proceedings throughout the state. The Legal Division handles a variety of matters, to include driver licenses; administrative hearings; asset forfeiture; employment and discipline hearings; risk management; record expungements; contracts; etc. Externs will be exposed to many of these areas and will assist primarily with legal research, drafting memoranda or opinions, assisting attorneys, and miscellaneous legal services.
Oklahoma Department of Securities
The Enforcement Division’s primary purpose is to enforce the Oklahoma Uniform Securities Act of 2004 and the Oklahoma Business Opportunity Sales Act. In doing so, it relies on the cooperation and input of the investing public. This division consists of attorneys, investigators, and financial analysts that are trained to handle the complex issues encountered in securities and business opportunities matters.
Oklahoma Ethics Commission
The Ethics Commission (the “Commission”) is a constitutional body created in 1990 by a vote of the people of Oklahoma. The Commission is comprised of five private citizens who serve without compensation. One each is appointed by the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Attorney General. The Commission is charged, under Article XXIX of the Oklahoma Constitution, with promulgating rules of ethical conduct for state officers and employees, campaigns for elective state office and campaigns for state initiatives, and referenda. It is further charged with investigating and prosecuting violations of its rules and recommending civil penalties for such violations in district court. The agency currently employs five full-time staff members who administer the constitutional rules, the Political Subdivisions Ethics Act (the “Act”), and the rules to implement Article XXIX.
On January 10, 2014 the Commission promulgated an entirely new Ethics Code. As such, the agency is seeking a legal intern. The successful applicant will have excellent legal research, writing, and interpersonal skills. The agency is seeking a self-motivated legal intern who can receive directions and then work efficiently to accomplish tasks or goals while also maintaining a high quality of work product. Duties will include annotating current ethics rules, interacting with public officials and candidates, performing clerical and administrative functions of the agency, and other tasks as assigned.
Prerequisites: A Legal Intern’s License is not required. An extern must interview with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.
Oklahoma House of Representatives
The Oklahoma House of Representatives consists of 101 members and is the larger chamber of the bicameral Oklahoma Legislature. All members are elected to a concurrent two-year term resulting in a close connection between the Representatives and the citizens of Oklahoma.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Civil Procedure, and Constitutional Law courses. Administrative Law is recommended but not required. A Legal Intern’s License is not required.
Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group
Externs will support the Legal Department by assisting in the review and oversight of municipal claims and litigation, developing legal opinions and articles, and answering telephone calls and emails regarding legal issues from OMAG members. Interest in Municipal, Tort, Civil Rights, and Employment Law preferred.
Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board
The Pardon and Parole Board is a constitutional, five-member, part-time body charged with making clemency recommendations to the Governor concerning convicted adult felons. Members of the Board are appointed, three by the Governor, one by the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, and one by the presiding Judge of the Court Criminal Appeals. They hold office coterminous with the Governor. Board members are removable only for cause in the manner provided by law for elected officers not liable for impeachment. The Board meets each month at one of the State penal institutions.
The Board reviews information prepared by the staff and makes recommendations for the granting of clemency on the various parole programs, commutations, and pardons as prescribed by law. Upon recommendation by the Board, the Governor has the authority to make the final decision on the granting of clemency, with the restrictions and stipulations recommended by the Board.
The Board employs a support staff of full-time employees who administer the daily operations of the agency. Reports and investigations for the use of the Board and the Governor in making their decisions are compiled by staff investigators on each of the candidates for the various parole programs. The reports for pardon are prepared by the Department of Corrections.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Constitutional Law. Completion of Administrative Law is recommended but not required.
Oklahoma State Department of Health
The Oklahoma State Department of Health, through its system of local health services delivery, is ultimately responsible for protecting and improving the public’s health status through strategies that focus on preventing disease. Four major service branches, Community Health Services, Family Health Services, Disease & Prevention Services, and Protective Health Services provide technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Civil Procedure and Legal Research and Writing. A Legal Intern’s License is only required if the student wishes to conduct contested hearings.
Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission
The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission is the agency responsible for handling claims of injured workers. Oklahoma workers whose claims are in dispute with their employer file a claim with the commission in order to get the case resolved in a timely manner.
The new administrative system took effect February 1, 2014. This system will be beneficial to both workers and employers. It will be faster, which allows workers to return to work sooner. And it will lower premiums on workers compensation insurance for employers thereby creating new jobs in Oklahoma’s economy.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Civil Procedure and Legal Research and Writing.
U.S. Air Force JAG
As an extern, you will work under attorney supervision in numerous practice areas of the JAG Corps including, but not limited to:
- Preparing criminal and civil cases by conducting legal research, writing briefs and opinions, conducting investigations, and interviewing witnesses
- Assisting attorneys who counsel and represent Airmen, their family members, and retirees in personal legal matters in areas such as family law, estate planning, landlord-tenant law, tax, bankruptcy, immigration and naturalization law, and military administrative law
- Supporting attorneys in other areas, such as federal tort claims, government procurement law, employment law, international law, environmental law, and operational law
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Civil Procedure and Legal Research and Writing. A Legal Intern’s License is only required if the student wishes to conduct contested hearings.
U.S. Army JAG
The Army JAG Corps will give you the opportunity to test your skills at a number of legal disciplines. Externs will have the opportunity to observe and assist Judge Advocates as they represent the Army and the United States at local, state, and Federal levels. Externs also assist Judge Advocates who counsel and represent Soldiers, their families, and retirees in personal legal matters such as civil law, estate planning, landlord/tenant law, tax, bankruptcy, immigration and naturalization law, and military administrative law.
Prerequisites: An extern must have completed Civil Procedure and Legal Research and Writing. A Legal Intern’s License is only required if the student wishes to conduct contested hearings.
U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The mission of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is to identify and meet the legal needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its primary objective is to ensure the just and faithful execution of the laws, regulations, and policies that the Secretary has responsibility for administering, and by doing so enables the Department to accomplish its mission of service to our Nation’s veterans.
U.S. Attorney’s Office – W.D. Oklahoma
The mission of the office is to protect and serve the citizens of the district through the ethical, vigorous, fair, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States. In doing so, the U.S. Attorney and staff are committed to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity as we strive to defend the national security, protect our citizens, safeguard public funds, improve the safety and quality of life in our communities, and defend the vital interests of the United States.