W.S. Darley & Co. Legal Intern Summer 2026 (Paid) — Corporate Governance Law Internship in Illinois

W.S. Darley & Co. has officially opened applications for the Legal Intern – Summer 2026 position at its corporate headquarters in Itasca, Illinois, United States. The opportunity is aimed at law students interested in corporate governance, business law, and strategy, and offers paid, full-time professional experience inside a long-established private company.

Founded in 1908, Darley is a fourth-generation family-owned organization that provides equipment and solutions to military and emergency service agencies, including its government-focused division Darley Defense.

About the Internship

This internship focuses on corporate governance and business legal operations. Interns will work directly with leadership and legal teams to modernize governance systems and documentation used by the company.

• Location: Itasca, Illinois (On-site)

• Type: Full-time internship

• Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

• Travel: Not required

• Pay: $18–$23 per hour

The role is designed to give practical legal exposure rather than only research work.

What You Will Work On

Corporate Governance

• Help draft a comprehensive Board Charter

• Support policies on board member selection and term limits

• Assist in governance best practices implementation

Corporate Legal Documentation

• Review and update corporate bylaws

• Work on shareholder agreements

• Draft procedures for share transfers and shareholder rights

• Support dividend calculation processes

Business & Investment Legal Work

• Assist documentation related to mergers & acquisitions (M&A)

• Support investment and capital allocation legal reviews

• Help prepare financial legal analysis records

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure company documents follow applicable laws

• Help improve internal legal processes

You will also collaborate with senior management and cross-functional business teams, which is rare exposure for a legal intern.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should:

• Be currently pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD)

• 2nd-year law students preferred

• JD/MBA dual degree candidates strongly preferred

• Have an undergraduate background in business or related field

Preferred Skills

• Legal research and writing

• Corporate law understanding

• Business strategy thinking

• Analytical ability

• Strong organization and attention to detail

Experience in corporate law or business roles (1–2 years) is helpful but not mandatory.

Benefits

Even as an intern, selected candidates receive company benefits access:

• Paid holidays & PTO

• Tuition reimbursement

• Health & wellness reimbursement

• Medical, dental and vision coverage

• Life and disability insurance

• HSA and FSA

• 401(k) with company match & profit sharing

Work Environment

The internship is conducted in a professional office environment using standard business tools such as computers and communication systems. The position is fully on-site at the company headquarters in Illinois.

Why This Internship Is Valuable

Most law internships focus mainly on legal research. This one is different. You will work directly on real corporate governance structures, shareholder agreements, and investment decisions, including exposure to M&A processes.

For law students interested in corporate law, compliance, or in-house counsel careers, this type of hands-on governance experience is especially useful.

About the Company

W.S. Darley & Co. is a long-running U.S. manufacturing and equipment solutions company serving military and first-responder organizations. The company operates from Illinois and also maintains certified manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin and Iowa.

Its defense division distributes operational equipment to U.S. federal agencies through government contracts.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply directly through the company careers page (Darley careers portal). Prepare:

• Resume

• Academic details

• Law school information

• Any corporate or business experience

Apply early because corporate legal internships usually fill quickly.

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