Recent News

January 26, 2007

Employers needed for Summer Leadership Internship Program

Once the snow has melted and June is upon us, many law offices are faced with staffing challenges as employees embark on those long-awaited summer vacations or take advantage of temporary flex schedules. Don’t let productivity slow down while your key support staff members are off enjoying a week at the seashore or time on the greens. Instead, hire a Summer Leadership Internship Program student to help around the office!

Sponsored by the Columbus Bar and Columbus Public Schools, SLIP is preparing to begin its fourteenth year providing seniors-to-be an exciting and intense employment and education program related to the law. Participants work eight weeks for pay in law firms and government agencies and also complete an academic program that involves readings, writing assignments, on-site visits to the federal courthouse, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and Ohio Court of Claims, preparing for a mock legislative committee hearing and mock trial.

The program has several goals, including to provide summer employment to youths who might not otherwise get jobs; to expose the students to the legal profession and to the work routine of the business world; and to help keep them on a track toward college and a professional career.

While students don’t actually begin working in the law firms until mid-June, they spend months preparing for the first day of employment. The students are required to attend numerous training sessions conducted by lawyers, judges and other professionals, covering topics such as professionalism, ethics considerations, conflict resolution, communication skills and office etiquette. The application and selection process is rigorous and the program requires students sign contracts with a very specific code of conduct and list of expectations.

SLIP is coordinated by a small group of dedicated volunteers: Hon. James E. Green, Franklin County Municipal Court Judge; Janetta Bell, teacher for Columbus Public Schools; Joetta Gregory, 6-12 Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, Columbus Public Schools; and Vicki Jenkins, legal counsel for the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The real success of the program, however, comes from the commitment of the employers. Last year, several local law firms participated in the program and the following employers have already made a commitment for 2007: Baker & Hostetler; Frost Brown Todd; Porter Wright Morris & Arthur; Thompson Hine; Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease; Ward Kaps Bainbridge Maurer & Melvin; and Wiles Boyle Burkholder & Bringardner.

More employers are still needed. Employers are asked to commit to hire a student at an hourly wage of $6.85-$9 for a period of eight weeks. If you would like more information about hiring a student for the summer, please contact Donna Sweet at donna@cbalaw.org or 614/340.2062.