Legal Intern

Description At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country running strong and the weekend warriors who want to work like them. It's our mission to make sure they have the right tools for the job, and an easy, hassle- free experience at our store so they can get in, get out and get on with the job at hand. Your top priority as a Legal Intern is to support a strategic Vendor Agreement initiative. This role will focus on building a comprehensive understanding of the company's vendor landscape, analyzing existing agreements, and helping to strengthen contract protections, particularly in the areas of product liability and international vendor relationships. The intern will work cross-functionally with teams across Legal, Sourcing, Merchandising, Marketing, Transportation, and Operations, and may collaborate with external international (including Chinese) counsel. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in commercial contracting, risk mitigation, and global supply chain legal considerations. Your positive, professional, roll-up-your- sleeves-to-help attitude contributes to our winning culture and makes sure we leave a lasting impression.

Key Responsibilities:

Vendor Landscape & Agreement Inventory Develop a comprehensive "lay of the land" view of the company's vendor ecosystem Identify and catalog: Current vendors across the enterprise Key suppliers and highest-volume product sources Locate, organize, and track existing vendor agreements Create a centralized inventory/database of contracts and key terms Contract Review & Analysis Analyze existing agreements to determine: Scope of services/products Liability provisions Insurance requirements Governing law and jurisdiction clauses Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas of risk across agreements Summarize key findings and provide recommendations to Legal team Risk Mitigation & Product Liability Support Assist in reviewing and drafting contract language related to: Product liability protections for the company Indemnification provisions Vendor accountability for defective or non-compliant products Support development of standardized clauses to: Protect the company from lawsuits Preserve the company's ability to pursue claims against vendors, including international suppliers International & Insurance Considerations Evaluate vendor compliance with insurance requirements, particularly: Adequacy of U.S.-based liability insurance coverage Assist with assessment of agreements involving international vendors, including: Governing law considerations (e.g., U.S. vs. Chinese law) Enforceability challenges Support coordination with external (including Chinese) counsel as needed Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with stakeholders across: Legal Sourcing / Procurement Merchandising Marketing Transportation Operations Gather insights on vendor relationships and operational realities to inform contract improvements What you will bring to the table: Preferred Qualifications Currently in at least 2nd year of law school (2L), or Undergraduate/graduate student with a strong business background and intent to pursue law school Interest in commercial contracts, supply chain, or international law Strong analytical and organizational skills Ability to synthesize complex information into clear summaries Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proficiency in Excel or data organization tools is a plus Key Skills & Competencies Contract review and issue spotting Attention to detail Cross-functional collaboration Problem-solving and risk assessment Professional discretion with sensitive legal materials What You'll Gain Hands-on experience with real-world commercial agreements Exposure to global vendor contracting and liability challenges Opportunity to influence a high-impact enterprise-wide project Mentorship from in-house legal professionals Schedule & Duration Part-time (20-30 hours per week) Summer internship About Us Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota's Iron Range, where our blue-collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We're looking for people who share our blue-collar work ethic. If you're the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we'd love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team. Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023 . We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes:

Competitive Pay:

Earn $ 20.00 to $ 22.00 hourly , with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value.

Flexible Work Schedule:

Achieve the work-life balance you deserve with our full-time, 8-hour shifts, Monday - Friday , complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely and in the office.

Comprehensive Benefits Package :

Your health and well-being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans , so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support your financial future.

Generous Employee Discount :

Love our products? So do we! Enjoy a significant discount on the quality tools and equipment we offer, helping you save on the items you love to use. Get Paid on

Your Terms:

With our Daily Pay option , you don't have to wait for payday—access your earnings whenever you need them for added financial flexibility.

Paid Holidays :

Take time to relax and recharge with 7 paid federal holidays , because we know how important it is to have time for yourself and your loved ones.

Incentives :

Be rewarded for eligible incentive programs. When you join Northern Tool + Equipment, you're not just starting a job— you're joining a community that supports your success. Come be a part of a team where your skills, dedication, and passion are recognized and celebrated. Your future starts here!