Employment In The District

Openings

Office Assistant (Student Volunteer) - Peoria, IL | Deadline: December 5, 2025

This vacancy is for Student Volunteer Internships for January 2026 through May 2026. Interns may commit to at least 8 weeks for approximately 10 hours per week.  To be eligible for this internship ALL of the following requirements must be met:

• Student Status: Definition of a student - applicant must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, two-year or four-year college or university, graduate/professional school, or certificate program equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study (go to http://www.ed.gov/accreditation to verify accreditation status) pursuant to 5 CFR 362. You must be considered in good academic standings by the school. Individuals must be taking at least a half-time academic, vocational, or technical course load leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.  "Half-time" is defined by the school in which the student is enrolled.

• Citizenship: Student Interns must be United States citizens or owe permanent allegiance to the United Sate (Currently, natives of American Samoa, Swains Island and certain inhabitants of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are the only groups that owe permanent allegiance to the United States.)

  Background Investigation: Student interns must successfully complete a suitability review and receive a favorable determination based on information provided in their security forms, a credit report, and fingerprint check.

• Volunteer Agreement: All interns are required to sign the Participant Agreement.

Typical work assignments will include clerical tasks as specifically assigned by supervisor or office staff member:

• Answers the telephone and refers callers/visitors to appropriate personnel based on specific name or functional area request
• Sort, code, and file documents in an established alphabetical or simple subject-matter filing system
• Use various enterprise tools and technology to prepare and share documents
• Provide essential support such as arranging meetings, taking notes, responding to routine inquires

An internship with the U.S. Attorney's Office offers a unique and challenging experience for the highly motivated student. This internship provides opportunities to work on some of the most significant, complex and visible cases being litigated today. Working with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and other staff, you will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and property of citizens. The United States Attorney's Office serves as the principal litigator for its judicial district and is responsible for coordinating multiple agency investigations within the district. The United States Attorney has the responsibility and authority to prosecute violations of Federal criminal statutes, defend the government in civil actions, seek the enforcement of a variety of civil enforcement statutes, and institute proceedings for the collection of fines and penalties. If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for administrative support assistance.

When applying, a resume and school transcripts must be provided.  Please email all required documents to Fabiola LaPorte at usailc.human.resources@usdoj.gov by the closing of the announcement.

Legal Internships

Summer Law Intern Program

The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) is the Department's competitive recruitment program for compensated summer internships. Selection for employment is based on many elements of a candidate's background including academic achievement, law review or moot court experience, legal aid and clinical experience, and summer or part-time legal employment. The Department also considers specialized academic studies (including undergraduate and post-graduate degrees), work experience, and extracurricular activities that directly relate to the work of the Department.

Volunteer Legal Intern Recruitment

Through the Volunteer Legal Intern Recruitment, the Department selects approximately 1,800 volunteer interns each year. Approximately 800 interns volunteer during the academic year, with approximately 1,000 volunteer internships offered during the summer. These positions are without compensation but are highly sought after because of the responsibility and experience they offer. A significant number of volunteer internships are with the 94 U.S. Attorneys' Offices, the 52 Immigration Courts, and other Department field offices nationwide. The remaining internships are with Department offices located in Washington, D.C.

Some volunteer internships qualify either for course credit or as part of a law school's work-study program. Interested students can contact their law schools for specific requirements. There are a very limited number of paid part-time positions.

Student Programs

Pathways

The Pathways Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. This Program replaces the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). Vacancies for Pathways positions will be posted on www.usajobs.gov as they become available.

Student Volunteer Program

Federal agencies and departments offer unpaid training opportunities to students in high school and college. These opportunities provide work experience related to your academic program. The program allows you to explore career options as well as develop your personal and professional skills. As a student volunteer, you will be exposed to the federal work environment and will learn about the missions and responsibilities of various federal agencies and departments.