Summer Law Clerk Program

Full Job Description

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Law is seeking law students to join its Summer Law Clerk Program, a full-time, nine-week program. This is a paid position, with a weekly stipend of $650.

This year’s program will begin on June 1, 2026, and end on August 7, 2026; applicants should be willing to commit to the full duration of the position. This is an in-person position.

In addition to assisting with legal work, Summer Law Clerks will have the opportunity for educational enrichment, such as observing legal proceedings, listening to speakers, and participating in field trips and programs organized for the Summer Law Clerks.

Department: Law
Salary: $650 stipend per week.
Posting Type: Announcement
Union: None, this is a non-union position.
Civil Service Classification: Exempt.

Requirements

The City of Pittsburgh Law Department, led by Lisa Zeidner Marcus, City Solicitor and Chief Legal Officer, serves as the attorney for the City of Pittsburgh and its officials by providing legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, and various City Departments.

The Law Department represents the City as a municipal corporation in drafting legislation, negotiating and documenting transactions, and advising on operational matters.

In addition, the attorneys of the Law Department represent the City and officials in litigation, including at trial and in appellate matters, in state and federal courts.

Examples of recent matters include: defending against a constitutional challenge to a City Ordinance at the U.S.

Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit; defending the City in a personal-injury trial in state court; defending the City against alleged civil-rights violations; participating in enforcement of the City’s zoning, building, and traffic codes; intervening in tax assessment matters; and pursuing damage claims against persons who have damaged City property.

The Law Department is located in the City-County Building (Pittsburgh’s “City Hall”), 414 Grant Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

The Law Department offers a dynamic, collegial environment for learning the practice of law.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a J.D. program.
• Summer Law Clerks must have residency within Pittsburgh city limits (current address or permanent address) by the start date and throughout the term of the Summer Law Clerk Program.
• Applicants must have strong academic qualifications and superior research and writing skills.
• Preferred qualifications include top 30 percent of class, law review, moot court/mock trial experience, and/or demonstrated interest in government/public service.

Application Materials:

Please send your application materials (cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample) to law-hiring@pittsburghpa.gov.