Law Intern Position Information
The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas offers students a challenging and rewarding summer internship experience. During their internship, students have the opportunity to strengthen legal research and writing skills by applying them in a practical setting: for example, by drafting motions in advance of and during trial and appellate briefs to the Fifth Circuit. Student interns typically have the opportunity to observe court proceedings, from initial appearances through all phases of trial. Moreover, former student interns have also had the opportunity to observe and participate in witness preparation sessions, debriefing defendants, and conferences with defense counsel and agents from a variety of local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the U.S. Secret Service.
Internship positions are available in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana, and Tyler; availability depends on the hiring needs of each office. Internship positions are unpaid; however, law schools will often offer credit hours or other benefits related to public service work.
The U.S. Attorney's Office hires first-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students (law school graduates are not eligible for summer positions) for minimum six-week terms in the summer, fall, and spring. Security clearance and a background check is required for all applicants who are offered positions.
Application Deadlines:
- September 1st for Spring Program (January - May)
- January 31st for Summer Program (June - August)
- May 1st for Fall Program (September - December)
Hiring Criteria
- United States citizenship
- Excellent academic credentials
- Superior legal writing and research abilities
- Strong advocacy skills
- Demonstrated commitment to public service
- Ability to manage multiple projects
Application Materials
- Cover letter (please indicate which term you prefer, if any)
- Resume
- Transcript
- Writing sample (no more than fifteen pages of your original written product)
- Two references