Job Title: Volunteer Law Student Spring 2026
Job Responsibilities:
The role of a Volunteer Law Student involves various responsibilities within the Department of Justice's Executive Office for . Attorneys and the Office of the . Attorneys, specifically in the Middle District of Florida. The primary mission is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, provide federal leadership in crime prevention and control, seek just punishment for unlawful behavior, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. The responsibilities include:
- Drafting responsive motions, dispositive motions, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs.
- Familiarizing with the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, the local rules of practice for the Middle District of Florida District Court, and the local and Federal rules of Appellate Procedure.
- Attending depositions, meetings with agents, and accompanying attorneys to observe court proceedings.
- Engaging in practice areas such as Appellate Litigation, Civil Litigation, and Criminal Litigation.
Applicants interested in the Tampa office should specify their preferred practice area in their cover letter, while branch office applicants will be placed in the Criminal Division.
Education and Experience Information:
The position is open to current students who are enrolled in an accredited high school, college, or graduate institution. Specifically, it is limited to first-, second-, and third-year law students attending an accredited law school pursuing a Juris Doctor degree. Eligibility criteria include:
- Outstanding academic records and superior writing skills.
- Good academic standing at the university.
- A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of .
- Must be a United States Citizen or owe permanent allegiance to the United States.
- Completion of a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication, which includes a background investigation involving fingerprint, credit, and tax checks, as well as drug testing.
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by a body recognized by the . Department of Education. Education from foreign colleges or universities may be considered if it is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States, with proof provided by a credentialing agency.
Salary Information:
The position is a volunteer internship and does not offer any compensation. Therefore, the salary range is $0 - $0. Additionally, relocation expenses will not be authorized, and a benefits package is not provided for this position.
Additional Information:
- The position is open to . Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the .
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age or older.
- The role does not require travel, is not eligible for remote work or telework, and does not involve supervisory responsibilities.
- The position falls under the GS 00 pay scale and grade, with no promotion potential.
- Security clearance is categorized as Other, with position sensitivity and risk classified as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk.
- The announcement number for this position is 26-FLM-12751887-VLS, with a control number of 839235500.
Application Process:
To apply, candidates must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the required documents specified in the vacancy announcement by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/03/2025. The application process must be conducted through the USAJOBS website, and hard copy or emailed documents will not be accepted. Required documentation includes an online application questionnaire, cover letter, resume, proof of enrollment or unofficial college transcripts, and a legal writing sample no longer than 25 pages. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their qualifications, and veterans' preference eligibility will be considered as a positive factor in attorney hiring. However, there is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service.
For any inquiries or alternate methods of applying, candidates are encouraged to contact the designated agency representative before the closing date of the announcement.
