West Virginia Department of Agriculture                                                                            
                                                                                    Position Description 
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Job Title: SUMMER LAW CLERK
Division: Executive
Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, WV
Reports To: General Counsel
Supervisory
Responsibility: None
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Nature of Work:
The summer law clerk will assist the General Counsel in addressing the legal needs of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Examples of Work:

• Review West Virginia statutes and regulations relevant to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
• Review similar statutes and regulations of other states to develop comparisons for decision-making processes.
• Perform title examinations.
• Evaluate effectiveness of current regulations and make recommendations for changes in code, regulations, and policies.
• Perform legal research on a wide variety of legal issues, including those arising under real property law, contract law, employment law, constitutional law, federal and state administrative law, and environmental law.
• Assist with administrative hearings.
• Assist with responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Draft and review various legal instruments including memoranda of understanding, contracts, deeds, easements, and loan documents.
• Contingent upon interest and availability, the clerkship may also provide opportunities to travel and learn more about agriculture in general and how the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s operations develop and enhance opportunities for the growth of West Virginia’s agricultural sector.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:  Office environment; sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 25 pounds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills, including the ability to effectively draft legal memoranda.
• Ability to confidently and effectively communicate with co-workers, management, or the public.
• Highly organized with a strong sense of priority, urgency, and commitment to deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential information with the highest degree of professional responsibility.

Qualifications:
Education:  Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school as a 1L or 2L
Experience:  Previous experience in a related field will be considered but is not necessary.

Additional Requirements:

• Writing sample.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.

                                This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.
                                                      West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.