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Who is eligible for a Volunteer Legal Internship?
Generally, first-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students are eligible for volunteer legal internships. Law school graduates are not eligible for summer volunteer positions unless they are pursuing an additional graduate degree immediately following their law school graduation and are enrolled more then half time. Check individual listings for organization-specific eligibility requirements.
First-year (first semester) law students can apply after December 1 for internships the following summer. The Department follows the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) guidelines which prohibits employer contact with first-year (first semester) law students regarding summer employment prior to that date.
What kinds of internship positions are available for law students?
The Department offers part-time, work-study, and volunteer internships that are open to law students who have not yet received their law degree and to law school graduates attending a graduate law program at least half-time. Internships are available during both the academic year and during the summer.
Part-time. There are a limited number of paid, part-time positions available in the Department. Please note that employment of full-time law students cannot exceed 20 hours per week. These are primarily for students working during the "regular" school year (September-May).
Work study. These are non-compensated positions for course credit or part of a law school's work-study program. Students should contact their law school for specific requirements before applying for these positions.
Volunteer. The Department selects more than 1800 volunteers annually nationwide. First-year students, in particular, may wish to consider a volunteer summer legal internship. During the academic year, students may work up to 20 hours per week in a volunteer capacity.
What are the advantages of a volunteer internship?
Former interns have cited the following as benefits:
"Substantive, exciting, real work."
"Lots of responsibility."
"The respect the lawyers have for your opinion; they really want to know what you think."
"Opportunity to think creatively."
"Working with other interns."
"The opportunity to live in Washington, D.C. And see what it is like to work with the government."
"Access and exposure to a broad range of different areas."
"Supervisors bend over backwards to provide interns with a learning experience."
"The quality of the lawyers you work with and learn from.
How do I apply?
Each Department organization conducts its volunteer intern program independently. You should apply separately to each organization in which you have an interest. There are two ways to apply:
(1) in response to a specific posting, or
(2) by applying directly to any Department organization in which you are interested that does not have a listing.
Application requirements and deadlines vary by organization, so you will need to consult each individual listing for specifics. As a general rule, students are encouraged to apply between December and February for summer internships. Note that many of the U.S. Attorneys' Offices have early deadlines, some as early as December.
Most organizations ask for a resume. Some organizations may request a writing sample, a law school transcript (if available), a list of references, and/or information on geographic preferences or specific skills/knowledge, e.g., language fluency. It is always a good idea to include a cover letter which highlights your specific interest in an organization and any relevant academic, clinical or work experience.
Where are legal intern positions located?
The Department of Justice selects approximately 1800 volunteer interns annually. A significant number of volunteer internships are with 94 U.S. Attorneys' Offices, the 52 Immigration Courts, and Department field offices in cities nationwide . The remaining internships are with Department offices located in Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit Geographic Areas of Assignment under "Opportunities for Law Students."
What if I am interested in a specific area of the law?
With more than 9500 attorneys in more than 40 different organizations, it can be a challenge to find out which organizations are a good match for your interests and experience. The DOJ Practice Area Chart is a good place to start. If, for example, you have a particular interest/background in healthcare issues, you would discover that the Antitrust, Civil, Criminal Divisions and some United States Attorneys' Offices do work in the healthcare area.
Do United States Attorneys Offices accept interns?
Anywhere from 1000 to 1400 law students volunteer to work with one of the 94 U.S. Attorneys' Offices either during the academic year or during the summer.
What do interns do (typical assignments)?
The assignments given to interns vary from component to component and section to section, depending on the nature of the component's work and culture. Assignments can include legal research and writing, assistance with trial preparation, and investigatory follow-up on cases. Students can expect to work closely with Department attorneys doing substantive assignments, with plenty of mentoring.
Is any financial compensation available?
Aside from a few paid part-time positions, compensated positions for the summer months are filled through the Summer Law Intern Program. Some law schools offer funding programs to students who wish to spend the summer or semester working for the government or public interest organizations. You may wish to check with your law school to determine whether such funding is available.
What credentials does the Department review when selecting interns?
Generally, components are interested in students who demonstrate an interest in the mission of the particular component. Academic achievement, demonstrated research and writing skills, judgment, maturity, extracurricular activities and other factors are also considered in evaluating potential candidates.
Is there a security check?
Yes. Please review the information on security and suitability issues posted at Conditions of Employment under "Opportunities for Law Students."
Does the Department accept non-citizens?
Yes, but there can be limitations specific to certain offices. Please note that appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely rare; an appointment would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Please review the information on citizenship posted at Conditions of Employment under "Opportunities for Law Students."
Must my law school be accredited for me to intern at the Department?
No, however, for later employment as an attorney, candidates must be eligible to become admitted to the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
Is there a minimum time period required for an internship?
Each office has different requirements. Offices generally ask students to commit to eight to ten weeks as summer interns. Students interested in "splitting" the summer should raise the issue with individual office.
How many hours can I work?
Interns can work up to 20 hours a week while attending classes. Interns can work longer hours during periods when classes are not in session or when participating in a tailored work-study internship.
Are there future opportunities at DOJ?
Yes. Many volunteer interns complete successfully for compensated summer internships through the Summer Law Intern Program or entry-level attorney positions through the Honors Program later in their law school careers.
Where can I find additional information?
Visit Resources and Other Programs for links to the many DOJ components, a state-by-state listing of field offices that employ attorneys, and the Washington, D.C. Resources Guide. The links are located on the left hand side of the screen.
Where can I find housing in Washington, D.C.?
You can find information about short-term housing in the Washington, D.C. Area Resources Guide.
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