The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program is within the Constitutional and Specialized Torts section of the Torts Branch, Civil Division, U. S. Department of Justice. The RECA Program administers claims for benefits filed under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, 42 USC § 2210 note. This unique statute provides partial restitution to individuals who contracted certain illnesses as a result of exposure to radiation while mining, milling, or transporting uranium ore for defense related purposes, or as a result of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War. Although residents of the Four Corners Region (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona) have filed the majority of RECA claims, the program has awarded compensation to individuals residing in each state, as well as several foreign countries. The claimant population includes many Native American tribes. Additional information about the RECA Program is available at www.justice.gov/civil/common/reca.
Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified men and women from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, 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, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
Semester interns are an integral part of the RECA Program. We ensure that interns are assigned to a variety of cases and have the opportunity to work closely with Program attorneys. Interns are assigned numerous legal research and writing projects and are expected to produce first-rate entitlement decisions and legal memoranda. Interns will be responsible for performing factual, legal, and medical review and analysis for assigned cases; evaluating documentary evidence, including medical records; and preparing draft agency decisions or other case-related correspondence. Interns may also be asked to assist with rulemaking, interagency coordination, and outreach, dependent on the office's needs. We strive to provide our semester interns with a professionally meaningful experience that is tailored to their goals.
Second- and third-year law students are encouraged to apply. Superior research and writing skills, an eye for detail, and a desire to work as part of a small team of professionals are essential. Excellent opportunity for students with a background or interest in administrative law, benefits administration, tort law, national security, and Native American issues. Must be a U.S. Citizen. Semester interns must be able to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks.
Second- and third-year law students are encouraged to apply. Superior research and writing skills, an eye for detail, and a desire to work as part of a small team of professionals are essential. Excellent opportunity for students with a background or interest in administrative law, benefits administration, tort law, national security, and Native American issues. Must be a U.S. Citizen. Semester interns must be able to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks.