Rotational Opportunities


The United States Department of Health and Human Services – Departmental Appeals Board

Location: Washington, D.C.

Position Title: Law Clerk

Duration: 3 to 6 months (negotiable)

The title Departmental Appeals Board (“DAB”) refers both to the Board Members (collectively the “Board”) that the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) appoints and to the larger staff organization. The DAB provides impartial, independent review of disputed decisions in a wide range of HHS programs under more than 60 statutory provisions. The Board generally issues the final decision for the Department, which may then be appealed to federal court. In certain categories of cases, the Board issues a recommended decision for action by another official.

The DAB includes the Board itself (supported by the Appellate Division), a group of Administrative Law Judges (“ALJs”) (supported by the Civil Remedies Division), and the Medicare Appeals Council (supported by the Medicare Operations Division). Thus, the DAB has three adjudicatory divisions, each with its own set of judges and staff, as well as its own areas of jurisdiction. The DAB also has a leadership role in implementing Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) across the Department, since the DAB Chair is the designated Dispute Resolution Specialist under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996. DAB staff includes trained mediators and facilitators. The DAB’s ADR responsibilities include providing ADR services and training, as well as coordinating and facilitating negotiated rulemaking committees.

Description of Responsibilities: The PMF will gain practical legal experience as a Law Clerk at the DAB. Specifically, in the three adjudicatory divisions, the person will work with one or more judges and assignments can include legal research and writing, assistance with trial preparation, and investigatory follow-up on cases. Each of these Divisions strives to provide the intern with at least one writing sample by the end of the internship. The person working in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Division will have a different experience from the above and will immediately put to use any prior dispute resolution and mediation skills he or she may have.

Experience: The DAB seeks law school graduates with an interest in Health Law and/or Administrative Law. Although prior experience in Health Law is a definite plus, it is not necessary for law clerks at the DAB. Academic achievement, demonstrated research and writing skills (through participation on Journal), judgment, maturity, extracurricular activities, bar membership, and other factors are also considered in evaluating potential candidates.

Point of Contact:

Ted Kim
Special Assistant
United States Department of Health and Human Services
Departmental Appeals Board
330 Independence Ave., S.W.
Cohen Building - Room G-644, MS 6127
Washington, D.C. 20201
Direct: 202-565-0200
Fax: 202-565-0224
theodore.kim@hhs.gov