Local College Co-op: Core Legal Practices – Technology & Operations at Dow Chemical Company

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

Dow has an exciting part-time cooperative education job opportunity available in Midland, MI or Lake Jackson, TX. This position is open to qualified and highly-committed college students enrolled in a fully accredited college or university located very close to the Midland/Lake Jackson Dow Site. Unlike a short-term internship project outside of school terms, this particular role is a long-term, year-round, undergraduate student position -- at least one full year in duration -- while the student is simultaneously taking classes toward an undergraduate degree. This opportunity offers the student valuable professional work experience in a dynamic, multi-national corporation interfacing with colleagues and leaders in many different roles. This program is designed for academically successful students who meet ALL of the specific job and co-op program requirements listed below and who can simultaneously succeed both in school and in a professional work environment.

Job Purpose

The position exists to provide dependable administrative, records, and operational support to paralegals, lawyers, and other legal professionals in Dow Legal, with primary support for Innovation Law activities. The role requires accurate work, responsive service, sound prioritization, and consistent follow-through in an environment with important legal deadlines.

Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Manage shared mailbox communications, route client requests, and support timely follow-up.
Prepare draft letters and other documents using approved forms and templates.
Search for patent references and assist with patent-related administrative activities.
Maintain patent filing systems, electronic records, and supporting documentation.
Process incoming and outgoing mail; coordinate records storage, retrieval, scanning, copying, and electronic filing.
Obtain signatures and prepare documents or packages for shipping.
Support day-to-day office operations, including phones, supplies, printers, and related administrative needs.
Assist with special projects and other legal or administrative tasks as assigned.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

No specific course of study is required. Students pursuing Legal Studies, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, English, or a related field may be well aligned with the role.
Ability to produce accurate, high-quality work and reliably follow tasks through to completion.
Strong organization, prioritization, and time-management skills, with the ability to meet committed deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to follow directions and seek clarification or additional instruction when needed.
Ability to work independently with appropriate guidance and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to lift packages and boxes as needed.

Your Skills:

Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and completeness in legal documents, records, filing, and administrative work.
Organization: Maintains files, correspondence, documentation, and work requests in a structured and efficient manner.
Time Management: Balances multiple priorities and consistently meets legal deadlines and other commitments.
Communication: Exchanges information effectively through written, verbal, and digital channels.
Initiative: Takes ownership, proactively identifies work needs, and seeks guidance when appropriate.
Accountability: Follows through reliably and completes assignments to a high standard.
Collaboration: Partners effectively with colleagues and contributes positively to team objectives.
Adaptability and Professionalism: Demonstrates flexibility, sound judgment, and a constructive approach in a dynamic work environment.

Critical Requirements of the Local Student College Co-Op Program

Must be 18 years of age or older
High school diploma/GED and already enrolled at an accredited college or university located close to the Midland/Lake Jackson Dow site, pursuing an undergraduate degree.
Successfully complete a minimum of 6 credit hours per term during both the Fall and Winter terms (~Sept-Apr).
Seeking high performing student with strong GPAs of 3.000+ is preferred
Able to begin work very soon, usually within 3 weeks of the job offer, and work year-round at least 16 hours each week ONLY during our regular business hours (8am-5pm, Mon-Fri…max 8 hours/day and 30/week during school).
Commit to the role for at least 1 full calendar year (BEFORE completing classes for your stated undergraduate degree or BEFORE transferring out of the area).  Students available longer than one year before completing their degree program are preferred and advantaged. 
Reliable attendance and punctuality in commuting to work daily or at least 2 days a week; therefore, dependable transportation, dedication and time management skills are absolutely required. 
Since this is a Local Co-op position, candidates must live within 50 miles of the Dow site to which they are applying
Any current Dow college co-ops wishing to transfer into this role must have been in their current role at least one full year, must have at least one full year left before graduating or transferring out of the area, and must have supervisor approval before applying to each Dow co-op job posting.

Candidates who receive a job offer will be required to pass a background check and will verify school-related requirements and I-9 documentation before being hired into Dow.

A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

As part of our dedication to inclusion, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.

Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833-693-6947) and select option 8.