Legal Intern

Legal Intern – Bellevue 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Bellevue, NE 
Pay Grade: A02 
Work Comp Code: 8810 
Leading Tier: Leading Self 

Compensation & Benefits 

Compensation will vary depending on experience, education level or degrees obtained, and the cost of living for the assigned work location. 

Intern employees are categorized as seasonal full-time employees and will accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Accrual begins after 80 hours of consecutive employment in Nebraska. 

Summary 

The Legal Intern will work under the direct supervision of Ho-Chunk, Inc.’s in-house legal team based in Bellevue, Nebraska. This position provides law students with exposure to a wide variety of legal work, including research, drafting, compliance, and business operations support. Interns will gain valuable experience in areas such as Federal Indian Law, tribal law, and the gaming industry in Nebraska, while also learning how legal strategy is integrated across a diversified company structure. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Conduct legal research on various areas including case law, statutes, regulations, and precedent. 

• Draft legal documents such as memoranda, contracts, reports, pleadings, and discovery responses. 

• Assist with case preparation including organizing evidence, exhibits, and summaries. 

• Provide document and file management support to ensure compliance with legal and organizational policies. 

• Prepare and assist with court or agency filings, ensuring deadlines and procedural requirements are met. 

• Attend internal meetings and client briefings; assist in summarizing discussions and action items. 

• Support compliance and risk monitoring processes, including internal audits and regulatory reviews. 

• Gain exposure to Tribal law and contribute to business matters involving Tribal communities. 

• Learn and apply internal processes and software systems relevant to legal operations. 

• Provide general administrative support to the Legal Department as needed. 

• The intern will be responsible for completing all tasks outlined in their summer project plans assigned by managers.  Interns must participate in all mandatory internship programming, evaluation periods and professional development sessions.   Attending sessions remotely will be determined and approved by program manager. 

Role-Specific Legal Experience Opportunities 

• Participate in legal strategy discussions with in-house attorneys and stakeholders. 

• Support research and development of responses to regulatory inquiries or external legal correspondence. 

• Assist in drafting responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and contribute to business development support. 

• Monitor state and federal legal updates relevant to tribal business enterprises. 

Skills and Qualifications 

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school pursuing a Juris Doctorate (J.D.). 

• Completion of core law school curriculum; 2L year preferred. 

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills. 

• Interest in Tribal Law and Federal Indian Law. 

• Demonstrated professionalism and confidentiality. 

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis). 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Completion of coursework or CLE in Native American Law. 

• Familiarity with Tribal governance or Native communities. 

Application Materials Required 

• Cover Letter 

• Resume 

• Legal Writing Sample 

• Two (2) Professional References 

Education 

• Must be enrolled in a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) program at an accredited law school 

• Completion of 2L year before the start of the internship preferred 

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Work Environment 

This role operates in a professional office environment. Standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines are used regularly. 

Physical Demands 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. 

• Frequently moves throughout the office to access files and equipment. 

• Operates a computer and other office productivity equipment regularly. 

• Expresses or exchanges ideas by spoken word for legal discussions and collaboration. 

Schedule & Travel 

Travel is anticipated for all new interns and includes a site tour of Dynamic Homes in Detroit Lakes, MN, which typically requires an overnight trip.  Lodging, transportation, and other travel expenses are provided. This does not apply to ANG Interns 

Interns whose work location is in Sioux City, South Sioux City, Bellevue, Omaha, or Lincoln may be expected to travel to Winnebago, NE, for various professional development sessions with senior leaders within the company and community. Interns may be responsible for commuting to and from the assigned worksite for all required internship programming activities if no company vehicle is available. This does not apply to ANG or Dynamic Homes Interns. 

Travel Requirements 

Minimal travel may be required for this position, including potential travel to meetings or intern program activities. 

Our Values 

Native American Owned & Proud | Accountable | Team Focused | Innovative | Visionary | Excellence 

AAP/EEO Statement 

Ho-Chunk, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, or physical disability. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with applicable laws. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.