Administrative Enforcement Legal Intern

As the Administrative Enforcement Legal Intern at the NYC Department of Buildings, you will be hands-on with various responsibilities. Your primary tasks will involve learning about the service of process, assisting in the preparation of evidence packages for OATH summons prosecutions, observing OATH hearings and discussions regarding appeals and settlements, and collaborating with AEU Attorneys in writing essential legal documents. This role offers you insights into legal compliance on municipal levels, enhancing your legal expertise significantly while supporting the agency's mission.

To qualify for the Administrative Enforcement Legal Intern position at the NYC Department of Buildings, candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at an accredited law school. Additionally, applicants should be in their second or third year of law school. This requirement ensures that interns have a solid foundation of legal knowledge to draw from, enabling them to actively engage in their responsibilities and take full advantage of the learning opportunities presented during the internship.

The Administrative Enforcement Legal Intern position at the NYC Department of Buildings is structured as a summer internship lasting up to 13 weeks. It begins on the first day of the internship and concludes no later than September 5, 2025. Interns are expected to commit to a full-time schedule of 35 hours per week, allowing ample time for immersive learning and hands-on experience in the legal field.

As an Administrative Enforcement Legal Intern at the NYC Department of Buildings, you can expect a rich learning environment. You’ll gain insights into municipal law enforcement, including the processes surrounding the prosecution of building code violations, how evidence packages are created, and the nuances of OATH hearings. Furthermore, observing seasoned attorneys will give you a glimpse into best practices and procedural requirements, equipping you with vital skills for your future legal career.

The NYC Department of Buildings is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Administrative Enforcement Legal Intern position embodies this commitment, as the organization actively seeks candidates from various backgrounds. Staff members are dedicated to creating a supportive environment free from discrimination, ensuring that all interns feel valued and encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives, which is vital for enriching discussions and creativity in legal matters.

When answering this question, highlight your passion for municipal law and your commitment to enhancing public safety. Discuss any relevant coursework or experiences that have shaped your interest in law enforcement and regulatory compliance, emphasizing how this internship aligns with your long-term career goals.

To effectively answer this question, research current issues the NYC Department of Buildings is facing, such as zoning disputes or construction safety regulations. Discuss these challenges and propose thoughtful solutions or strategies that demonstrate your understanding of the field and your problem-solving skills.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Provide a specific example from your academic or previous work experience, focusing on how you approached the situation constructively and the positive outcome that resulted. This demonstrates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate conflicts.

Discuss how compliance ensures public safety, health, and welfare. Emphasize the role of building codes in preventing accidents and ensuring quality construction and how zoning resolutions contribute to organized and sustainable urban development, showcasing your knowledge of legal and community impact.

Share your strategy for effective research and learning, such as reviewing the NYC Construction Codes, attending training sessions if provided, and engaging with mentors in the agency. Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and your proactive attitude toward gathering knowledge.

Highlight key skills such as strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication, and time management. Provide specific examples of how you’ve applied these skills in academic projects or previous work experiences to demonstrate their relevance to the internship role.

Discuss specific ways you envision adding value, whether it’s by assisting with compliance checks, drafting cohesive appeals, or helping streamline processes. Show enthusiasm for working collaboratively with the team to help fulfill their mission and goals.

Share your motivations for pursuing a career in public service, such as a desire to positively impact the community, contribute to the legal system, and promote government accountability. Connecting your values to the work of the NYC Department of Buildings will resonate with interviewers.

Talk about your openness to feedback and how you view it as an essential part of professional development. Provide an example of a situation where you received constructive criticism, what you learned from it, and how you successfully applied the recommendations.

Always come prepared with thoughtful questions! You might ask about opportunities for professional development during the internship, clarify expectations for your role, or inquire about team dynamics. Showing curiosity and engagement demonstrates your enthusiasm for the opportunity.