The Office of International Affairs (OIA) solicits applications from energetic, organized, and detail-oriented first-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students (L), undergraduate students (UG), and graduate students (G) to fill intern/extern openings. Unpaid positions are available during academic semesters and summers. Many interns/externs receive academic credit for their experience. OIA works with criminal prosecutors in the United States to secure the return of fugitives from abroad and to obtain from foreign countries evidence and other assistance (e.g. freezing of accounts and forfeiture of funds) needed in criminal investigations and prosecutions. OIA assists federal, state and local prosecutors and law enforcement agents pursuant to a network of bilateral and multilateral treaties and law enforcement agreements. In turn, OIA assures that the United States meets its reciprocal obligations to foreign countries by responding to their requests for the extradition of fugitives and the production of evidence located in the United States.
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.
Student interns are utilized by OIA’s geographic and subject matter teams as follows:
Regional Teams
Team 2 – (UG, G, L): Europe & Eurasia
Team 3 – (UG, G, L): Mexico, Central America, Spanish-Speaking Caribbean
Team 4 – (UG, G, L): Asia/Pacific, Africa, & The Middle East
Team 5 – (UG, G, L): Canada, English-speaking Caribbean
Team 6 – (UG, G, L): South America
Specialized Teams
- Incoming Mutual Legal Assistance - (UG, G, L): OIA serves as the "Central Authority" for the United States with respect to all requests for information and evidence received from and made to foreign authorities under Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) and multilateral conventions regarding assistance in criminal matters. As the U.S Central Authority under MLA treaties, executive agreements, and various multilateral conventions (referred to collectively as treaties), OIA plays a critical role in executing incoming MLA requests. Specifically, OIA’s Incoming MLA Team reviews all incoming MLA requests and executes them “in-house” or refers them to U.S. law enforcement agencies or other offices for execution. MLA requests will include requests for various types of assistance including but not limited to:
-
Locating people
-
Serving documents;
-
Providing information;
-
Providing documents, records, and evidence:
-
Providing testimony and statements;
-
Conducting interviews;
-
Conducting searches and seizures;
-
Transferring prisoners for testimonial or other purposes;
-
Locating, restraining, and forfeiting criminal proceeds.
The Incoming MLA Team is a fast-paced, dynamic team. We are committed to providing foreign authorities with assistance to investigate and prosecute criminal offenses in hopes of building diplomatic goodwill and a safer international community.
-
Litigation and Legal Policy – (L): In partnership with OIA’s Specialized and Regional Teams, LLP oversees the timely and successful litigation of all international extradition matters in U.S. courts. This coordination includes analyzing incoming extradition requests prior to referral to a U.S. Attorney’s Office, participating in extradition matters in active litigation (reviewing and drafting briefs; attending, and representing the government at, hearings; etc.), and developing a nationwide strategy for extradition litigation. LLP also supports the broader criminal-justice mission of the Department of Justice by leading OIA’s interaction with Department prosecutors relating to international legal issues arising from its pursuit of relevant civil and criminal cases in U.S. courts. LLP coordinates the development of considered and consistent policy positions for OIA on all matters that have, or may have, an impact on litigation.
-
Cyber – (UG): OIA’s Cyber Team assists foreign authorities around the world to secure electronic evidence from U.S.-based electronic service providers in support of criminal investigations and prosecutions. Members of the Cyber Team assess foreign requests to ensure that they are legally sufficient to satisfy U.S. legal standards, such as probable cause, and provide guidance directly to OIA’s foreign counterparts to help them understand and meet such standards. Cyber Team attorneys then seek legal process in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Team members also coordinate with prosecutors in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Federal Bureau of Investigation around the country to obtain and execute legal process in their home districts. Cyber Team members further liaise with major U.S.-based electronic service providers to coordinate evidence production and remain knowledgeable regarding the policies and procedures the providers employ.
-
Docketing Unit – (UG): The Office of International Affairs’ Docketing Unit is comprised of experts in procedures for recording and managing the flow of information pertaining to OIA’s case work. The Docketing Unit effectively prioritizes, distributes, and processes all electronic, mailed, and couriered MLAT and Extradition material received for OIA. The unit’s processing includes case analysis and opening, Extradition ribboning, case reassignments and the retrieval of classified/unclassified cables. Additionally, the Docketing Unit prepare, close, and send physical case files for referral as well as facilitate the ordering of archived files from the Federal Records Center.
Junior and Senior undergraduate students, graduate students and first- year (second semester) only, second- and third-year law students are encouraged to apply. Undergraduate and graduate students with a strong writing background and an interest in international matters and criminal law may be particularly interested in these positions. Knowledge of a foreign language is desirable but not essential. United States citizenship is required. A background check and a drug test are part of the application process.
Please apply by email and list on the subject line of the email the semester for which the internship is sought (W--Winter/Spring, S-Summer, F-Fall); student status (UG-undergraduate, G-graduate, L-law); Team Preference (per above), and any language(s) spoken. Please include the following:
- resume (should reflect GPA and/or class rank);
- short writing sample, 5 pp or less;
- transcript(s); and,
- at least two references who are familiar with the applicant’s research, writing and organizational skills. Please include an active phone number for each reference.
- cover letter (optional)
Applications should be e-mailed to OIAIntern@usdoj.gov with the subject line filled out per above (e.g. S; UG; Tm 3; Spanish).
Applications are considered on a rolling basis.