LOCATION: Multiple positions are available throughout New York State
BASE SALARY: $20.00 Hourly
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time - Temporary (July 6, 2026 to August 12, 2026)
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: January 6, 2026
QUALIFICATIONS: High school students, recent high school graduates (within the last 2 years), or college students pursuing
an associate or bachelor’s degree and actively enrolled in college at the start of the Student Aide Program
(July 6, 2026). Participants must be at least 17 years old as of July 6, 2026. Those under the age of 18
must obtain an employment certificate (working papers), to work in NYS.
ASSIGNMENT: The mission of the NYS Unified Court System is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair
and timely resolution of all matters that come before the courts. To promote civic education and readiness, we have developed an
Internship Program for high school and undergraduate college students that enhances students’ fundamental understanding of the
court system and the role of courts in the function of government. Interns are provided the opportunity to integrate classroom
education and theory with practical and relevant career experience. Interns will gain insight regarding the work of judges, attorneys,
court clerks, court reporters, court officers, interpreters, and other professionals and receive hands-on experience in the work of
the courts.
We are committed to providing an interactive program where participants are involved in various aspects of court operations and
will develop a concrete understanding of the Judiciary, civil, family, and criminal justice systems, and the roles of professionals
working in service of our mission. Participants will be exposed to court processes; educated on applicable laws, rules, and
protocols; and informed about careers available within the Judiciary. Students will also acquire an understanding on ethical and
professional practices and Code of Conduct for employees; receive hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced
professionals; and gain civic knowledge to serve the public good as members of a culturally diverse, democratic society.
There are multiple opportunities available throughout the state. Interns will be assigned to a District Office (Albany, Schenectady,
Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Buffalo, White Plains, Mineola, and Central Islip), a Chief Clerk's Office in one of NYC’s five
boroughs, or the Office of Court Administration (NYC or Albany). The Program will run from July 6, 2026 through August 12, 2026.
Candidates should have an interest in working and learning about the justice system and/or legal profession. Students who are
economically disadvantaged or come from under-served communities are encouraged to apply.
The Student Aide Internship Program is intentionally designed to create access for young people who have had little or no prior
exposure to the court system. We therefore prioritize applicants who do not have direct personal connections to the courts. Family
members of judges and court employees are not eligible for the Program. Interns are selected based on their ideas, initiative, and
enthusiasm. This Program aims to open doors and to advance personal and professional development, regardless of background
or existing networks.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: All interested persons meeting the minimum qualifications are encouraged to submit an
application at https://portal.nycourts.gov/StudentAideApplication/ and a written statement/essay answering the following 2 prompts
(1 page max) to the Hon. Edwina Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives:
- Why do you want to participate?
- Describe an obstacle you faced in life or school and how you addressed it.
understanding of the NYS Unified Court System, please visit the Intern Hub: https://nycourts.ispring.com/app/previe ... f379aa854c