Legal Operations Intern

Chicago, IL, US, 60601

Hybrid

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.

Summary

As a James Hardie intern, you will gain hands-on experience in your chosen field while contributing to meaningful projects that drive business results. Our 12-week paid internship program is designed to provide real-world industry exposure, strengthen your professional and technical skills, and help prepare you for a successful career. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with experienced professionals, build valuable relationships across the organization, and take on work that makes a measurable impact. You will also have access to mentoring opportunities and professional development resources to support your growth and career aspirations.

 

Internship Objective

Gain practical experience in a collaborative corporate legal department while contributing to projects aligned with department and corporate strategy. Assignments will be tailored to the intern's background and career interests and may include legal operations, administrative support, paralegal work, or research. The internship is intended to build relevant skills, deliver meaningful project contributions, and support the department's early-career talent pipeline.

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

  • Contribute meaningful work to legal operations, administrative, paralegal, or research projects based on the intern's skills and career interests.
  • Build business-facing communication, project-management, technology, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrate accountability by honoring commitments, following through on assigned work, and collaborating effectively.

What You’ll Do:

Project and Process Management

  • Support process and technology projects aligned with Legal department and corporate strategy.
  • Organize project information, track actions, and help move assigned workstreams forward.

 

Legal Operations Support

  • Assist with e-billing and financial management activities.
  • Support document and case management processes.
  • Contribute to the continued development of risk and compliance program activities.

 

Research and Collaboration

  • Conduct research when appropriate to the intern's background and assigned projects.
  • Work collaboratively with Legal colleagues and business partners to solve problems and deliver practical results.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in a relevant discipline at an accredited university, with an anticipated graduation in May 2029 (rising junior).
  • Strong academic performance with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Available to work full-time for 12 weeks during summer 2027.
  • Reliable transportation to and from the work location.
  • Authorization to work in the United States.

 

Preferred Skills

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-starter who is motivated, curious, and comfortable taking ownership of assigned work.
  • Ability to collaborate with others, solve problems, honor commitments, and follow through.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and interest in using approved AI tools.
  • Interest or coursework in legal operations, paralegal studies, business, law, compliance, or a related field.

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $20 to $25 per hour. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and may change over time.

 

  • Full-time work experience and competitive pay
  • Meaningful projects with business impact
  • Mentorship and guidance
  • Feedback and evaluation
  • Exposure to James Hardie culture
  • Networking opportunities and skill development

#LI-TZ1

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.


Nearest Major Market: Chicago

Job Segment: Compliance, Operations Manager, Summer Internship, Intern, Project Manager, Legal, Operations, Entry Level, Technology