Unpaid Law Student Volunteer, Summer- Federal Programs

Contract, Part-time

No

## Unpaid Law Student Volunteer, Summer - Federal Programs Branch

The Federal Programs Branch of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice is dedicated to providing fair and impartial justice for all Americans. The Branch is responsible for representing the Executive Branch in civil litigation in district courts throughout the United States, defending the Executive Office of the President, the Cabinet, other government officials, and virtually all of the approximately 100 federal agencies and departments of the Executive Branch in civil actions challenging the legality of government policies and decisions.

**Job Description**

Interns are expected to work closely with the Branch's trial attorneys and may receive assignments in any of the Branch's practice areas and at any phase of district court litigation. Interns will conduct legal and factual research and analysis, draft briefs, other court filings, internal memos, and client letters, and otherwise assist trial attorneys in advising clients, developing case strategies, and preparing for court appearances. Interns are regularly invited to attend client meetings, moot courts, oral arguments, depositions, and other litigation events. Interns also participate in the Branch's robust summer programming.

**Qualifications**

Students must have completed at least one year of law school by the start of the internship. Candidates should have excellent writing skills and high academic standing. Candidates must also be . citizens or nationals, must have resided at least three of the past five years in the United States, and must successfully complete a background investigation.

**Application Process**

All applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and law school transcript (unofficial versions accepted). Cover letters should address the nature of the applicant's interest in the work of the Branch and in government service, and should identify the dates an applicant will be available to intern with the Branch. Applications should be sent by email to . Please consolidate all application materials into a single PDF file labeled with your name in the following format: [LAST NAME], [FIRST NAME] - Summer Internship Application, [LAW SCHOOL] [CLASS YEAR]. Please use the same format for the subject line of your email.

Our office hires summer interns on a rolling basis.

2Ls: Current 2Ls are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience during the fall semester, preferably by October 15. Applications received later than October 15 may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Current 2Ls interested in a paid position should also consider applying through SLIP following the instructions here: . Applicants who are not selected through SLIP may also be considered for this unpaid position.

1Ls: Current 1Ls will be considered beginning on December 1, and should apply promptly on or after that date.

**Compensation**

This is an unpaid position. However, academic or work-study credit may be possible. Transit subsidies are available. Current 2Ls and 3Ls interested in a paid position should also apply through SLIP following the instructions here: .

**Number of Positions**

5-8

**Travel and Relocation Expenses**

N/A

## Overview of Unpaid Law Student Volunteer Position at Federal Programs Branch

The Federal Programs Branch of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice is dedicated to providing fair and impartial justice for all Americans. The Branch is responsible for representing the Executive Branch in civil litigation in district courts throughout the United States, defending the Executive Office of the President, the Cabinet, other government officials, and virtually all of the approximately 100 federal agencies and departments of the Executive Branch in civil actions challenging the legality of government policies and decisions.

The Branch is headed by three directors, who oversee a staff of approximately 110 attorneys and 25 support personnel. The Branch's twelve litigation areas are managed by two deputy directors and twelve assistant directors.

The Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, the Department welcomes applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

The Branch is offering 5-8 unpaid summer internships for law students who have completed at least one year of law school.

## Job Description and Qualifications for Unpaid Law Student Volunteer Position at Federal Programs Branch

The Federal Programs Branch of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice is offering 5-8 unpaid summer internships for law students who have completed at least one year of law school. Interns will work closely with the Branch's trial attorneys and may receive assignments in any of the Branch's practice areas and at any phase of district court litigation.

**Job Description**

Interns are expected to work closely with the Branch's trial attorneys and may receive assignments in any of the Branch's practice areas and at any phase of district court litigation. Interns will conduct legal and factual research and analysis, draft briefs, other court filings, internal memos, and client letters, and otherwise assist trial attorneys in advising clients, developing case strategies, and preparing for court appearances. Interns are regularly invited to attend client meetings, moot courts, oral arguments, depositions, and other litigation events. Interns also participate in

Academic or work-study credit possible. Transit subsidies are available.

Legal research and analysis, drafting briefs, other court filings, internal memos, and client letters

Must have completed at least one year of law school

Applications should be sent by email to . Please consolidate all application materials into a single PDF file labeled with your name in the following format [LAST NAME], [FIRST NAME] - Summer Internship Application, [LAW SCHOOL] [CLASS YEAR]. Please use the same format for the subject line of your email.

Qualification and Experience Must have completed at least one year of law school by the start of the internship. Candidates should have excellent writing skills and high academic standing. Candidates must also be U.S. citizens or nationals, must have resided at least three of the past five years in the United States, and must successfully complete a background investigation.

Legal