Douglas Olsen
Undergraduate internships are available at the United States Attorneys' offices, including the Southern District of New York and the National District Attorneys Association. These internships offer a wide range of opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in legal and administrative work. The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia also offers internships for undergraduate and graduate students, providing a challenging experience that reflects the demands and rewards of public service. These internships are highly competitive and require a strong academic record and leadership skills. While most internships are unpaid, some offices offer compensated summer internships through competitive recruitment programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Manhattan, with limited opportunities in the Criminal Division's White Plains Office |
| Work hours | Summer interns: 40 hours/week for 8 weeks (June-August); Spring/Fall interns: 14-16 hours/week (September-December/January-April) |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students with an interest in public service and good academic standing |
| Requirements | U.S. citizenship, background questionnaire, DOJ security approval, no illegal drug use in the last 12 months |
| Divisions | Criminal Division, Audio/Visual section, Digital Evidence section |
| Tasks | Administrative functions, data entry, analysis, event planning, recruitment, graphics creation, digital evidence management, legal research, etc. |
| Application | Online applications accepted during a scheduled timeframe |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for internships at the US Attorney's Office vary depending on the specific office and internship program. Here are the common eligibility criteria for undergraduate students interested in interning at a US Attorney's Office:
Citizenship and Academic Requirements:
- US Citizenship: Interns must be US citizens. Students with dual citizenship are eligible to apply.
- Academic Standing: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program at a college or university. Some offices may require a minimum GPA or academic achievement standards.
Background Check:
Security Clearance: Interns must complete a background questionnaire and obtain DOJ security approval. The background check includes items such as illegal drug use, which may disqualify applicants if reported within the previous twelve months.
Work Hours and Duration:
- Work Hours: Interns are typically expected to work a minimum number of hours per week, which can vary depending on the season. For example, summer internships may require a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, while spring and fall internships may be more flexible, ranging from 14 to 16 hours per week.
- Duration: Internships can be semester-long or during the summer vacation. Some offices offer flexible durations to accommodate students' academic schedules.
Skills and Competencies:
- Interest in Public Service: Applicants should demonstrate an interest in public service and a desire to contribute to the work of the US Attorney's Office.
- Competencies: Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills are often valued. Additionally, interns should exhibit good judgment, time management, and a willingness to learn.
It is important to note that specific eligibility criteria may vary across different US Attorney's Offices and internship programs. Students are encouraged to review the specific requirements for the office and program they are interested in applying to.
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Work hours and duration
The work hours and duration of internships at US Attorney's Offices vary depending on the specific office and the time of year. For example, the Southern District of New York offers distinct work hour requirements for their spring, summer, and fall undergraduate internship programs. Summer interns are required to work a minimum of 40 hours per week for eight weeks from June through August. In contrast, spring interns work a minimum of 14 to 16 hours per week from January through April, and fall interns work the same number of hours per week from September through December.
The Frederick County State's Attorney's Office requires interns to give a minimum of 15 hours per week during the spring and fall semesters. They offer internships during the summer and throughout the academic year. The exact duration of these internships is not specified, but they require a minimum time commitment of 15 hours per week.
Additionally, US Attorney's Offices may have specific requirements for certain internship positions. For instance, the Audio/Visual section of the Southern District of New York's internship program requires interns to have or be eager to develop knowledge of specific software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Audition.
It is important to note that internships at US Attorney's Offices are generally unpaid, but they offer valuable experience and the opportunity to work closely with legal professionals. Some internships may qualify for course credit or be part of a law school's work-study program. The Department of Justice also offers the highly competitive Attorney General's Honors Program for entry-level attorneys, which is the only way the Department hires graduating law students.
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Recruitment process
Undergraduate students can intern at the US Attorney's Office, and there are both volunteer and paid opportunities. The recruitment process for internships at the US Attorney's Office typically involves several steps, and the specific steps may vary based on the location and program. Here is a general overview of the recruitment process for undergraduate internships:
- Application Submission: Interested candidates are required to submit an application package, which typically includes a resume or CV, and a cover letter. The cover letter should express the applicant's interest in the internship and specify their availability and areas of interest within the office. Some offices may also require additional materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, or writing samples. It is important to carefully review the application requirements and submit all the necessary documents by the specified deadline.
- Review of Applications: Once the applications are received, the recruitment or hiring coordinator within the US Attorney's Office will review the submitted materials. They will assess the candidates' qualifications, academic background, skills, and areas of interest to determine which applicants best match the requirements of the internship program and the needs of the specific divisions or departments.
- Forwarding to Divisions: After the initial screening, the recruitment coordinator will forward the selected applications to the appropriate divisions or departments within the US Attorney's Office. Each division will then review the applications based on their specific needs, available projects, and supervisory capacity.
- Interviews: If a candidate's application is selected by a division, they will be notified and invited for an interview. The interview process may vary but typically involves meeting with supervisors or attorneys from the respective division. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing. During the interview, candidates may be asked about their educational background, skills, experiences, and reasons for their interest in the internship. It is an opportunity for both the candidate and the division to assess mutual fit and ensure a productive and beneficial internship experience.
- Selection and Notification: Following the interviews, the divisions will make their final selections and notify the successful candidates directly. The recruitment coordinator may also communicate the outcomes to all applicants, informing them of whether they have been selected for the internship or not.
- Onboarding and Orientation: Once interns are selected, the US Attorney's Office will provide information about the onboarding process, including any necessary paperwork, orientation sessions, and introductory meetings with the team. Interns will receive an overview of the office's policies, procedures, and expectations, as well as specific instructions related to their assigned division or department.
It is important to note that the recruitment process may vary slightly across different districts and offices within the US Attorney's Office network. Additionally, some offices may have competitive recruitment programs or specific requirements for certain internships, so it is advisable for interested students to refer to the official websites and guidelines of their desired internship location for detailed and up-to-date information.
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Internship stipend
Undergraduate students can intern at the US Attorney's Office. The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) offers internships to undergraduate and graduate students. These internships are tailored to each student's needs, interests, and schedules. The OAG recruits interns from a diverse range of educational institutions across the United States and internationally.
The Southern District of New York also offers undergraduate internships. These internships are in-person and located in the Manhattan office, with a few opportunities in the Criminal Division's White Plains Office. Interns are required to work a minimum of 40 hours per week for eight weeks during the summer and a minimum of 14 to 16 hours per week during the spring and fall semesters.
The US Attorney's Office offers a competitive Summer Law Intern Program with compensated summer internships. The Volunteer Law Intern Program also offers volunteer opportunities for summer employment. Unfortunately, I cannot find specific information on the stipend for undergraduate internships at the US Attorney's Office. However, it is mentioned that the internships are compensated.
Undergraduate interns at the US Attorney's Office can gain experience in various areas. They may assist with administrative tasks, such as data entry and event planning, or work on enhancing the functionality of the Office's digital platforms. Interns with an interest in art or graphic design can create graphics and collaborate with legal teams to develop trial strategies. They may also work with digital evidence, managing and testing drives, and running reports.
The OAG also provides a rich work experience, allowing interns to work hands-on with attorneys, paralegals, and law students. Interns can expect to assist with legal research, motions, advice memos, discovery, and trials. They may also participate in field trips to relevant locations, such as the DC jail and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Additionally, interns can attend presentations on various legal topics and develop their legal writing and research skills.
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Learning opportunities
Undergraduate internships are available at the United States Attorneys' offices, providing students with a great opportunity to gain experience in the legal field. These internships offer a range of learning opportunities that can enhance students' knowledge and skills in various aspects of law and legal practice.
The Summer Law Intern Program is a competitive recruitment drive for compensated summer internships. The program offers internships in the Criminal Division, where interns can gain exposure to cases involving narcotics trafficking, firearms distribution, cybercrime, and terrorism, among other areas. This division handles cases that are prosecuted on behalf of the people of the United States through the United States Attorney's Office.
The Southern District of New York also offers undergraduate internships with their Recruitment and Administration Teams. These internships provide a unique perspective on the inner workings of the legal system. Interns contribute to projects vital to the office's operations, including organizing events and coordinating recruitment. They also gain experience in administrative functions such as data entry, budget management, and victim/witness support services. Additionally, interns can enhance the office's digital presence and accessibility by maintaining SharePoint pages.
The Audio/Visual section is another exciting opportunity for art or graphic design students. Here, interns translate complex legal information into clear visuals, collaborate with legal teams to develop trial strategies, and provide support to attorneys and litigation staff. They also gain hands-on experience with software like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Audition.
The Digital Evidence section offers a unique learning opportunity, where interns manage digital evidence by organizing and testing drives, running reports, and maintaining inventory.
The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) also offers internships to undergraduate students. OAG interns gain valuable experience by working closely with attorneys, paralegals, and law students. They participate in a variety of legal tasks, including legal research, motions, advice memos, and discovery. OAG interns also have the opportunity to attend field trips and presentations on various legal topics, enhancing their understanding of the legal system.
The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) provides semester-long internships for undergraduates, offering hands-on experience in criminal justice policy. NDAA interns work on a diverse range of topics, including child abuse, domestic violence, and legislative issues. They also have the chance to research and write articles for the Prosecutor Magazine, further developing their legal research and writing skills.
These internship programs offer undergraduate students a wealth of learning opportunities, providing insight into the legal system, enhancing their skills, and preparing them for future careers in law and related fields.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the US Attorney's Office offers internships for undergraduate students. These internships are available during the summer and throughout the academic year.
Interns must be matriculating college students and US citizens. Students with dual citizenship are eligible to apply. Interns must complete a background questionnaire and obtain DOJ security approval. Illegal drug use in the previous 12 months makes eligibility unlikely.
Interns at the US Attorney's Office support the Recruitment and Administration Teams. They assist with internal events and training, recruitment events, and key administrative functions such as data entry and analysis. Interns may also work with attorneys, paralegals, and other law students on legal research, motions, advice memos, and discovery.
