Alison Hunter University of Idaho College of Law

While working at the Boise Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I greatly improved my legal research and writing skills, and gained a better understanding of federal law and practice. The entire office was very welcoming and seemed genuinely excited to have me there for the summer. The attorneys not only gave me interesting projects but projects covering the substantive areas of the law in which I had expressed an interest. In my time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I researched legal issues concerning the Federal Torts Claims Act, habeas corpus relief, due process, and the Speedy Trial Act, to name just a few. Researching and writing part of a Ninth Circuit brief was the highlight of my summer. I learned so much from the feedback I got on my drafts. The brief that was filed serves as an excellent writing sample for my current job applications. The attorneys I worked with on the Ninth Circuit brief have kept me on the case, sending me a link to a recording of the oral argument and a copy of the Ninth Circuit’s final order in our favor. The attorneys have continued to treat me like a colleague even after the summer ended.

Throughout the summer I gained a greater understanding of general federal practice. The attorneys were always offering to take the externs to court with them and informing us when they had a particularly interesting hearing. Also, during the weekly brownbag lunch sessions, the externs received general practice tutorials in diverse practice areas, including wiretapping, money laundering, environmental law, discovery, Native American law, and drug prosecution.

In addition to the knowledge and experience I gained, I also received great career advice at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The attorneys I worked with were more than happy to sit down with me and talk about my career goals and to give me their perspective and advice. In all, I had a phenomenal experience externing at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I highly recommend the U.S. Attorney's summer program.