Contractual Legal Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $64,633.42 - $75,888.51 Annually
Location : Centennial II, Human Resources Department, 805 Central Avenue, Suite 200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, OH
Job Type: Full-time Unclassified
Job Number: 26-999163
Department: Law
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Statement of Duties
The City of Cincinnati Law Fellowship is an opportunity for a recent law school graduate with a strong interest in local government and public interest to gain hands-on practical experience over the course of a year during which they can hone their practical legal skills in a unique and exciting legal environment.
Interested candidates should attach their resume and letter of interest with their online application.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The individual selected as the City of Cincinnati Law Fellow will have the opportunity to enhance their legal experience and skill sets while exploring their interests and working with a wide variety of experienced attorney mentors across various divisions in the City of Cincinnati Solicitor's Office. Some of the available areas of practice for the Law Fellow include drafting legislation and legal opinions, assisting our civil litigation and criminal prosecution teams, and engaging in contract and public records review. The Law Fellow position is a one-year experience and preference will be given to candidates able to commit to the entire period.
The nature of the assigned work will be based on the successful candidate's areas of interest and/or organizational need. Candidates should have the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. A successful candidate will have a demonstrated interest in public service and be able to perform work in an environment in which most communications and records are subject to the attorney-client privilege.
For inquiries, please contact Lisa Kunz, Chief of Staff, Law Department, Room 214, City Hall, 801 Plum Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Lisa.Kunz@cincinnati-oh.gov
Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)
(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)
Knowledge of:Principles and practices of municipal law.
Principles and practices of federal, state, and local codes and regulations.
City policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Legal terminology; principles of filing and letter and report writing guidelines.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
Municipal budget practices.
Skill to:Operate appropriate computer equipment; use properly all related hardware and software.
Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Ability to:Understand, apply, and implement administrative policies, practices, and procedures.
Remain tactful and diplomatic in interacting with City personnel as well as the general public.
Prioritize work assignments and track projects in a timely, efficient manner.
Maintain attention to detail despite frequent interruptions.
Utilize independent judgment and discretion.
Compile and analyze information and data.
Compose correspondence, legal forms, and briefs from oral or written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
The position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.
Assist City attorneys in preparation for trial and hearings in areas including civil rights, affordable housing, and personal injury litigation;
Assist with the City's legislative, contractual, and legal opinion needs related to legal assistance needed by the City's elected officials, the City Administration, and City multiple departments, including Economic Development, Planning & Engagement, Human Resources, Health, Economic Inclusion, Finance, Environment & Sustainability, Parks, Greater Cincinnati Water Works, and the Police and Fire Departments;
Under supervision of an assigned attorney mentor, attend City Council meetings, court proceedings, community meetings, labor negotiations, administrative hearings, and other City proceedings as needed;
Contact City offices, community partners, or community stakeholders on a variety of public-policy related initiatives to assist with legal issues related to City programs or operations;
Revise or update forms or existing records as needed by various sections of the office;
Access and maintain files of confidential or restricted information.
Required Education and Experience
In order to qualify for the Law Fellow annual internship, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a non-citizen with proof of eligibility to work in the United States;
• Have graduated from an accredited law school, however, successful passage of a state bar exam is not a requirement
• Submit a City job application for employment.

Working and Physical Conditions
Environmental Conditions: Work in an office setting plus remote work; exposure to computer screens; need to work closely with others and engage with members of the public.
Physical Conditions: Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; lifting and carrying light loads; use of fingers and of both hands required; must be able to distinguish colors.
The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.
The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees' to add additional value to the City of Cincinnati's workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.
The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.
Holidays
The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas
Health Insurance
The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.
Eligible dependents include:
Legal Spouse or Equal Partner
Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")
Step-child
Child for whom the employee or employee's spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian
Basic Life Insurance
A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.
Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.
Flexible Benefits Plans
Healthcare Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.
Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.
Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account
City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.
Healthy Lifestyles Program
City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.
Retirement Plan
The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-timeemployees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnati's Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.
Deferred Compensation
As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.
01
Please check the box below to indicate you understand your resume and letter of interest must be attached to your application.

• I have read the above statement and understand that my resume and letter of interest must be attached to my application.

02
Do you possess a license to practice law in Ohio?
03
Do you understand notifications regarding this position will be sent via email, therefore, it is your responsibility to check your personal email, Government Jobs mailbox, SPAM, JUNK, and CLUTTER FOLDERS for any and all communication sent regarding this position?

• Yes, I understand.

04
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, email address, and telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in me not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in me not receiving further consideration for this employment opportunity. To update this information, visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts. For technical difficulties, contact NEOGOV support at 855-524-5627.

• Yes, I understand and agree

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