College Student Volunteers

The United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California provides opportunities to undergraduate students on summer recess. To qualify, you must be returning to an undergraduate institution in the fall. This is known as an “extern” appointment and duty is on a volunteer (non-paid) basis. Externs work in the Criminal Division. Assignments may include assisting AUSAs with trial preparation, writing memorandums, organizing evidence (discovery), transcribing calls, and assisting paralegals. Externs are encouraged to observe trials and other court proceedings in cases on which they have worked or in cases of general interest in the office.

For an externship during summer 2027 (June through August), applications should be submitted no later than December 18, 2026. All externs undergo a partial background investigation before entering on duty.

Undergraduate students wishing to apply for an externship should email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to externship coordinators Mirelle Raza and Sarah Spielberger at Mirelle.Raza@usdoj.gov and Sarah.Spielberger@usdoj.gov. The email subject line should include the desired externship term (e.g., “Application for Summer 2027”). Applicants should not use AI in any of their application materials, and the use of AI may result in disqualification.