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Employment

Employment Opportunities for: Attorneys | Support Staff | Students

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York (NDNY) serves an area comprised of 32 counties in upstate New York with offices in Albany, Binghamton, Plattsburgh, and Syracuse (headquarters office).

The District has three divisions: Criminal, Civil, and Appellate. The Criminal Division prosecutes federal crimes including violent crimes, drug trafficking, immigration, firearms, child exploitation, fraud, public corruption, environmental crimes, and anti-terrorism. The Civil Division represents federal agencies and employees in tort claims, constitutional torts, medical malpractice, bankruptcy, and general civil litigation.  The Civil Division also files affirmative litigation under the False Claims Act. The Appellate Division handles appeals primarily stemming from criminal prosecutions to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

There are three general areas of employment. The District hires experienced attorneys as Assistant United States Attorneys and support staff, and law student volunteers during the summer and academic terms. Please use the links above for more information.

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.

EMPLOYMENT FOR ADMITTED ATTORNEYS

Openings periodically occur for Assistant United States Attorneys.  When open, vacancies are available at the United States Department of Justice's web site at Department of Justice's Legal Vacancies.  Applications are only accepted as outlined under an open vacancy on the Department of Justice’s website. 

Non-discrimination

‘It is the policy of the United States Attorneys’ offices (USAOs) and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) to provide an inclusive and equitable workplace free of discrimination and harassment and to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) solely based on merit. In accordance with civil rights laws, federal regulations, governing executive orders, and the Department’s EEO policy, the USAOs and EOUSA will not discriminate or harass any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex – including sexual orientation, gender identity or pregnancy status, age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, any other nonmerit-based factor, or reprisal for prior EEO activity.’  (EOUSA/USAO Equal Employment Opportunity Policy). The foregoing policy, which applies to employees, is also followed by this office regarding volunteer student interns.

Background checks

All offers of employment, including positions for attorneys are conditioned upon the successful clearance of a background check to include fingerprints, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Employment cannot commence until the employee has cleared.

EMPLOYMENT FOR SUPPORT STAFF

Openings periodically occur for support staff, to include Legal Assistants, Paralegals, and various administrative (budget, contracts, human resources, information technology) positions. When open, vacancies are available at the United States Office of Personnel Management website at USAJobs.  Applications are only accepted as outlined under an open vacancy through USAJobs.

Background checks

All offers of employment, including positions for support staff, are conditioned upon the successful clearance of a background check to include fingerprints, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Employment cannot commence until the employee has cleared.

Non-discrimination

‘It is the policy of the United States Attorneys’ offices (USAOs) and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) to provide an inclusive and equitable workplace free of discrimination and harassment and to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) solely based on merit. In accordance with civil rights laws, federal regulations, governing executive orders, and the Department’s EEO policy, the USAOs and EOUSA will not discriminate or harass any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex – including sexual orientation, gender identity or pregnancy status, age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, any other nonmerit-based factor, or reprisal for prior EEO activity.’  (EOUSA/USAO Equal Employment Opportunity Policy). The foregoing policy, which applies to employees, is also followed by this office regarding volunteer student interns.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LAW STUDENTS

First-year (second semester), second-year, and third-year law students are selected as volunteer interns during the academic year and summer. Law students perform legal research, draft memoranda, observe court proceedings, and generally assist in litigation and trials. Qualifications/requirements include: strong academic credentials; demonstrated research, writing, and analytical ability; and U.S. citizenship.

Law students typically work part-time during the academic year and full-time during the summer. "Split" summers are allowed but not encouraged. Law students may also work full time during either the fall or spring semester. 

Law student internships are volunteer (uncompensated) positions. Course credit, work-study, and externship opportunities are available depending on school requirements. 

Applications for the law student internship program which include a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and writing sample, are accepted at the United States Department of Justice's web site at Department of Justice's Legal Vacancies.  Applications are only accepted as outlined under an open vacancy on the Department of Justice’s website that typically runs from early January through mid-February. 

Inquiries regarding NYND law student internship program may be made to Taylor Righi, Human Resources Specialist, 315‑448‑0681.

Background Checks

The office performs a background check on all volunteer interns selected to participate in its internship program. Law students must pass a background check to include fingerprints, credit check, and tax check before they can begin working as interns.

Non-discrimination

‘It is the policy of the United States Attorneys’ offices (USAOs) and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) to provide an inclusive and equitable workplace free of discrimination and harassment and to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) solely based on merit. In accordance with civil rights laws, federal regulations, governing executive orders, and the Department’s EEO policy, the USAOs and EOUSA will not discriminate or harass any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex – including sexual orientation, gender identity or pregnancy status, age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, any other nonmerit-based factor, or reprisal for prior EEO activity.’  (EOUSA/USAO Equal Employment Opportunity Policy). The foregoing policy, which applies to employees, is also followed by this office regarding volunteer student interns.

Updated January 17, 2024