The Environment and Natural Resources Division litigates in five key areas: pollution, lands and natural resources, wildlife, Indian resources, and land acquisition. Attorneys represent many federal agencies by preparing and arguing civil and criminal enforcement cases, and by defending challenged federal agency actions for more than 100 federal laws. Cases are at the cutting edge of environmental protection. The Division’s work protects our environment and natural resources for future generations.

LOCATIONS:
U.S. Department of Justice
Environment and Natural Resources Division
Washington, D.C., Denver, San Francisco, Sacramento, Anchorage, Boston, and Seattle.

QUALIFICATIONS:
First-year (second semester only) and second year law students. Prefer students with an interest in environmental issues and public service and who have taken environmental law courses (if applicable).

DATE POSITIONS AVAILABLE:
Spring Semester (January - May)
Summer (May - August)
Fall Semester (August - December)
(Require a minimum tour of eight weeks.)

DUTIES:
To assist the Division's trial lawyers in preparing cases for filing and supporting the litigation effort post-filing and to assist the Division's appellate lawyers in researching issues on appeal. Responsibilities typically include conducting legal research, drafting motions, discovery and memoranda of law dealing with a variety of federal environmental and natural resource issues. The Division handles cases covering a broad spectrum of issues including the protection of endangered species, civil and criminal enforcement of the federal pollution control laws. An internship provides an outstanding opportunity to work on novel issues of environmental law.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE:
Projected: 25 for the Spring and Fall semesters and approximately 75 for the Summer. Number of vacancies vary at each field office site.

SALARY:
Volunteer (without compensation) or work-study for credit only.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Application package should include a cover letter with your location preference(s) and hours/days available, resume, transcript (official or unofficial), writing sample, and three references. Applications should be submitted electronically to Ms. BJ Parker @ BJ.Parker@usdoj.gov. Phone: (202) 514-4719

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Internships are filled as applications are received. Fall positions are typically filled by August. Spring positions are typically filled by December. Summer positions are typically filled by April.

NOTIFICATION:
Applications will be acknowledged by e-mail upon receipt. Applicants may be contacted if additional information is needed or to schedule an interview.

WEBSITE:
www.usdoj.gov/enrd

The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Candidates must successfully complete a security clearance prior to appointment.

 
Summer Law Intern Program

The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) is the Department of Justice's compensated summer recruitment program for legal interns. Generally,  the Division hires one intern for each of our nine sections who have completed their second year of law school prior to the summer of employment.

Geographic Assignment
The Environment and Natural Resources Division's (ENRD) summer law internships are located in Washington, D.C.

Citizenship Requirements
U.S. citizenship is a requirement of the ENRD.

Informational Resources
The Legal Recruitment Brochure (LRB), Do Your Legal Career Justice: Opportunities for Entry-Level Attorneys and Law Students at the U.S. Department of Justice or LRB describes the legal responsibilities of the Department and the work of each of its organizations, and provides detailed information about its legal employment programs. It is a useful guide to students who are looking for a general introduction to the Department, as well as to those who have a specific interest in a particular organization and/or section. The LRB and the application forms are available in your career services office.

Recorded Information
You may call (202) 514-3396 for recorded information (available 24 hours a day) on the eligibility and application requirements for the Summer Law Intern Program (select option 2). The TDD number is (202) 616-2113.