About WestEd

As a community of over 1,300 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact — asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities, value and elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Read more about WestEd’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Come and join us! 

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION—Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.

Content Area or Department Brief Description:

WestEd’s Legal Department provides strategic advice, counseling and representation to WestEd’s executive leadership, internal departments, and project teams to advance WestEd’s mission.

Position Overview: 

Our small, diverse, and passionate team is looking for a full-time Summer Intern to join our team. The role will cross practice areas but will include understanding and clear drafting of Memoranda of Understandings relating to sponsored research projects, data privacy (particularly in the education context), inter-agency longitudinal data systems, compliance in federal contracting and research, and intellectual property. The role will also conduct basic legal research and review non-disclosure and teaming agreements.

Core Focus Areas:

1. Analyze Research MOUs, data privacy agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and teaming agreements.
2. Legal research and analysis on various issues of law.
3. Review and advise on contract provisions.

What We’re Looking For:

• Excellent analytical skills and oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with cross-functional teams;
• Interest in WestEd’s mission.
• The ability to learn quickly and multi-task effectively.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal analysis and advice related to data privacy (especially in the education context) and research issues (including human subjects research).
• Review, negotiate, and draft data sharing and sponsored research agreements.
• Develop and revise standard agreement templates for research, technical assistance, data sharing, product development, professional development; collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline and automate legal review processes.
• Work directly with internal staff to draft, review, and revise leases, license agreements, inter-agency agreements, sponsored research agreements, location agreements, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and other contracts.
• Conduct legal research and analysis and draft legal memoranda.
• Keep current on developments in law and regulation at the federal, state and local level about education, research, federal contracting, and data privacy.
• Collaborate internally on risk management and compliance activities.

Qualifications:

• Experience in the field of education, intellectual property, data privacy, and sponsored research is highly desirable.
• Current enrollment in or a law degree from an ABA-certified institution. 

*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.

SALARY: $50 per hour

Committed to the diversity of race, ethnicities, perspectives, and opportunities, WestEd offers a variety of social and professional learning communities, such as Employee Resource groups, the Data Intelligence, Insights, and Innovation PLC, and the WestEd Parent Community, just to name a few. We hope you’ll consider joining us to build better schools, communities, learning pathways, and more! WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #LI-Remote #LI-Hybrid