The Civil Division offers volunteers the opportunity to gain first hand experience with civil litigation that spans the spectrum of government activities. While these positions are not compensated, they are highly competitive due to the substantial amount of responsibility they offer. Volunteer interns will complete legal research, draft motions and briefs, and assist attorneys in all phases of trial preparation.
Who may apply: The Civil Division accepts volunteer applications from law students and, in exceptional cases, undergraduate students. You must be enrolled as a student on at least a half-time basis in order to be eligible for a volunteer position.
Locations: Positions are available in Washington DC, New York, and San Francisco. The majority of positions are located in Washington, DC.
Timeline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Opportunities exist in the summer, fall, and spring. Typically, the summer volunteer positions are filled in mid-spring (March to April).
Projected number of positions available: The Civil Division has 60-80 volunteer positions during the summer, and approximately 20 positions during the fall and spring semesters.
Application Materials: Applicants should submit a cover letter (specifying preferred location and dates when available), as well as a resume, transcript (unofficial or official), and five page writing sample.
How Students Apply: Applicants can submit applications to civil.personnel@usdoj.gov (application via email highly recommended) or through mail at:
Civil Division Volunteer Program-USDOJ
Personnel Management Branch
Attn: Meghan Killiany
P.O. Box 14660
Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-4660
or via fax at (202)514-7968.
Background check: Volunteers must undergo a pre-employment background check and fingerprint check.