Summer Law Intern Program
How would you like to get paid for the experience of a lifetime?
That is just what the Department’s Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) has to offer. The SLIP is the Department’s competitive recruitment program for compensated summer internships. Law students who participate in the SLIP benefit from an exceptional legal experience and invaluable exposure to the Department of Justice. Interns come from a wide range of law schools throughout the country.
Eligibility for the Summer Law Intern Program
Law students who have completed at least one full semester of legal study by the application deadline are eligible to apply. Most successful applicants intern the summer between their second and third year of law school; however, graduating law students who will enter an honors program eligibility-preserving activity may intern following graduation. Part-time law students are also eligible to apply. All applicants should review eligibility rules.
Participating Components
Every year, various components and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices hire students through the SLIP. Check out the list of the components participating this year along with the estimated number of positions available.
Selection Criteria
Selections are made based on many elements of a candidate’s background, including a demonstrated commitment to government service, academic achievement, leadership, law review or moot court experience, clinic experience, past internships/other employment, and extracurricular activities that relate to the work of the Department.
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted via the online application.
- For summer 2026, the application opens on August 22, 2025, and closes Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
- Read the application tips and checklist and assemble requested information before starting the online application.
- Requests for an accommodation in order to complete the application should be directed to Deana Willis or AskOARM. For technical assistance in submitting your application, please contact the AVUE Help Desk via Live Chat at the top right of the application screen within the Avue Platform (available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., EST).
SLIP Deadlines & Key Dates
- Friday, August 22: Application Opens
- Tuesday, September 2, 2025: Application Deadline
- September: Interview Candidates Selected
- October: Virtual Interviews
- Late October – January/ February: Offers Extended
Status Updates
Applicants can check their status online. The Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management posts status updates at key decision points in the selection process. The community message board associated with the online application is also helpful to applicants with questions or who wish to review informational updates.
Next Steps
The Department will update candidate status online to show selection for an interview. The online status will also show which component(s) selected the candidate in the "Selected By" column. Due to space constraints, a code is used for each component. Interviews are virtual. Components independently contact SLIP candidates to schedule interviews. If you are selected for an interview, see the list of component contacts and component-specific requirements. Questions regarding submissions or interviews should be directed to the appropriate component contacts.
Additional Information
- Salary and Benefits Information
- Conditions of Employment (Hiring Process, Policies, Requirements)
- Components, Offices and U.S. Attorney’s Offices
- Disability Hiring
Applications for the 2026 Summer Law Intern Program open on August 22, 2025, and close on September 2, 2025.