ARIZONA SUPREME COURT
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS
LEGISLATIVE INTERN POSITION
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Two to three temporary, full-time, paid legislative internship positions are available at the Arizona Supreme
Court, Administrative Office of the Courts, in Phoenix. Interns assigned to the Supreme Court will work on
behalf of the judicial branch at the legislature.
The Arizona Constitution charges the Supreme Court with the responsibility of providing administrative
supervision over all the courts of the state. This is done through the Administrative Office of the Courts. In
addition to hearing controversies in the trial and appellate courts, the judicial branch is tasked by constitution
and statute with various administrative and regulatory responsibilities. Interns work in the Executive Division,
with the Legislative Group of the Administrative Office, assisting with judicial department legislation and other
administrative responsibilities.
Interns will serve from January 2, 2012 to May 10, 2012. Normal working hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 P.M.
Legislative activity and other job duties will require extended hours and attendance at early morning or evening
meetings. There are no holidays or semester breaks.
DUTIES
Required duties will include attendance at court and legislative committee meetings and hearings; assisting the
Legislative Group in preparing, testifying, researching and tracking legislation with impact on the courts; acting
as a liaison to the Legislature; and communicating with judges and administrative staff on legislative activity.
Interns will be required to prepare written materials (e.g., fact sheets, legislative summaries and letters) and
make oral presentations on legislation to court committees and staff. Interns will also lobby legislators on select
proposals.
QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires research, writing and word processing skills as well as strong communication and
organizational skills. Interns are expected to work both independently and as part of a group. Both
undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply, complete the “Arizona Legislative and Government Internship Program” application, available online
at: http://www.azleg.gov/internshiplegislative.asp. Applications must be accompanied by a resume and two
academic or professional letters of recommendation.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Amy Love, Legislative Liaison
Phone: 602.452.3662
E-mail: alove@courts.az.gov
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q:
A:
How many interns will be hired?
Two to three. The interns, together with the Director of Government Affairs and the Legislative Officer, will
comprise the legislative team for the Arizona Judicial Branch.
Q:
A:
Do I have to be a political science or law school student to apply?
No! Prior interns have had educational backgrounds in psychology, justice studies, English, speech pathology,
business, accounting, public administration and social work. We welcome all majors!
Q:
A:
Does the intern work with the Supreme Court justices?
The Supreme Court has two main responsibilities: hearing cases on appeal from the lower courts and statewide
administration of the court system. The intern's work focuses exclusively on the administrative responsibility. In
this capacity, the intern may be involved in preparing information for the Chief Justice relative to legislative
proposals. Legislative interns will not research cases pending before the Court or write legal briefs.
Q:
A:
Will the intern have contact with judges and court administrators?
Yes. Because the Arizona Supreme Court has administrative responsibility for the state court system, this internship
exposes students to all aspects of the judicial department. Intern responsibilities include informing judges and court
administrators about proposed legislation and obtaining feedback from the courts on introduced legislation.
Q:
A:
To what issues will Supreme Court intern be exposed?
Criminal and civil law matters, judicial budget, adult and juvenile probation, children and family issues and
proposed matters affecting municipal, justice, superior and appellate courts.
Q:
A:
How do prior Supreme Court interns describe the internship?
"...a great learning experience that could never be obtained inside a classroom."
"...an invaluable educational experience involving a great deal of dedication, hard work and long hours."
"...there is no better way to learn the political process and the behind-the-scenes action."
"Exciting, intense, very educational, demanding, challenging, WELL WORTH IT!"
Q:
A:
What did prior Supreme Court interns do after their internship?
Many of the prior interns went on to law school and other graduate school programs. A few of our previous interns
find a passion for government and move into administration; some even continue with government relations in the
public or private sector.