Legal Intern

Follow your passion 

Are you looking to make a BIG impact? At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission.

Currently, we operate multiple elementary and middle schools in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, and are opening three new elementary schools in Queens for the 2025-26 school year. We plan to grow and open 1-2 schools each year because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. Join our growing team today, and be a change agent for children.

Our Network office is located at 401 W. 218th St., New York, NY 10034. This is an 8-week internship with a start date on May 20th. ​​An in-person start to the internship is required for an excellent launch experience. The role will be in person through June 14th and become fully remote starting June 17th, continuing fully remote through the remainder of the 8-week internship.

Deliver powerful results 

To achieve our vision, we are searching fora results-driven Legal Intern with a proven record of strong research and written abilities. This role is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a creative, talented law student to join a committed team dedicated to delivering excellent, free public education to children of all backgrounds and transforming the landscape of public education. The internship is open to law students who have completed at least one year of law school before the internship commences.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and core values of Zeta Charter Schools
• Excellent writing skills are essential, as well as the ability to write quickly 
• Strong research, problem-solving, and analytical abilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills, good judgment, and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment
• Passion for driving innovation, disrupting the status quo, trying new approaches, and tackling problems from many angles to find creative solutions
• Ability to work well under pressure and keep track of multiple projects/deadlines
• Strong academic record and recommendations
• Wear multiple hats as a part of a lean scale-up team, supporting the work of others on the team and taking on new projects and tasks as needed

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop research, writing, and analytical skills on a wide range of schooling and legal matters, which may include education law/regulations, building code, facilities/real estate, special education, intellectual property, tax-exemption, employment, contract review, etc. 
• Work on a range of special projects to support Zeta’s operations, including, for example, drafting program descriptions, developing and drafting organizational policies and procedures, seeking grant opportunities and drafting grant applications, monitoring education-related policy and legislative developments, advancing policy strategies that increase access to high-quality public education, and compliance reporting and oversight (regulatory and grant requirements) 
• Work closely with an experienced team of lawyers, including reporting to Zeta’s Legal Counsel

Join our purpose-driven community 

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo and tackle problems together. Our team stands united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. Our Zeta team is comprised of top talent with incredible schooling and private sector experience. At Zeta:

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world-class education to all students
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to feedback
• We are hungry and determined to not only meet our goals, but surpass them
• We are humble, willing to put the team’s needs ahead of our own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment
• We have a high bar for excellence and sweat over the details
• We are caring and put team over individual at all times

We strive to offer a fun and intellectually-challenging internship experience. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found. Please submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a 5 page-or-less legal writing sample. We encourage candidates to seek sponsorship or work-study grants for the summer, but we will consider all candidates, including those who are not able to secure funding.

Apply Now!

Equity is at the heart of our mission. We have a deep commitment to pursuing diversity and striving for equity. Zeta is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Work authorization is required (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).