City of Philadelphia - Department of Law Internship

The Philadelphia Law Department handles the City’s litigation, offers advice and counsel to the Mayor, the City Council, and City agencies, and represents the City in development deals. The Law Department is composed of four groups: Corporate and Tax, Litigation, Social Services, and Legislation. 

Within each group are Units and Divisions with a wide range of practice areas. Our attorneys represent the City before federal and state courts on a diverse array of matters, including civil rights, tort claims, labor and employment, affirmative litigation, and appeals.  Each student will be assigned to work within a Unit observing issues such as: lawsuits challenging the validity of the City’s regulatory laws; litigation in which the City is a plaintiff; economic development projects; discrimination, retaliation, or other employment-related claims; legislation and counseling; or dependency matters. 

Students may also be asked to help with any projects the department may have going on at the time, such as a filing or box projects; or assisting attorneys with matters. 

This expeience will include indusry tours and excursions to city offices inclding  the Medical Examiner’s office, Philadelphia Police Department Headquarters, Library, City Hall and or other locations.  

Interns may also be asked to assist with Observational at Civil Court, Criminal Court, and Family Court in the event an intern wanted to observe a deposition, trial, or arbitration hearing. Or students may be asked to help the Streets Department, by taking photographs of potential sidewalk hazards in the general area of MSB, City Hall or the One Parkway Building. 

Responsibilities May Include:

• Observe and assist in handling lawsuits challenging the validity of City regulatory laws 

• Contribute to economic development projects Assist in addressing discrimination, retaliation, and employment-related claims 

• Support legislative matters and counseling initiatives

•  Aid in dependency matters as needed 

• Assist with departmental projects such as filings and box projects 

• Collaborate with attorneys on legal matters and tasks

•  Attend field trips to key city institutions during the summer

• Participate in observational opportunities in Civil Court, Criminal Court, and Family Court Support the Streets Department by documenting potential sidewalk hazards.