Skip to main content

Undergraduate Internships

A limited number of undergraduate internships are available in our Civil, Criminal and Administrative Divisions during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Students participating in our internship perform a variety of tasks. Assignments will vary by division and the needs of the office.

The chart below lists some of the work interns may perform during their internship.

Division Assignment

Typical Duties

 

 

Criminal OR Civil Division  

Interns perform certain types of law related work for paralegals and Assistant United States Attorneys such as:

  • Transcribing calls
  • Preparing trial materials
  • Assisting trial team in preparation for trial
  • Observing court proceedings
  • Visiting state courts and jail facilities
  • Writing subpoenas
  • Redacting documents
  • Assisting with preparing discovery and inspection materials
  • Sitting in on proffer sessions (witness interviews)

 

 

Information and Technology (IT)

Information and Technology (IT) interns contribute to the day-to-day operation of the United States Attorney's Office.

Typical work assignments may include:

  • Contributing to IT related design, development, and implementation of software applications and databases.
  • Conducting research and analysis of technical issues to assist with problem-solving.
  • Collaborating with members of the IT team to complete projects and resolve technical issues.
  • Participate in training and learning new technical skills to support ongoing projects and initiatives.
  • Assisting with conference room setups and trial room set ups.

 

Security Unit

The candidate selected may observe, assist, or actively participate in the following: 

  • Attending witness and civilian complaint interviews or regional crime control strategy meetings
  • Organizing evidence
  • Examining and analyzing security related issues
  • Conducting internet searches

 

 

Law Enforcement Coordinating

Law Enforcement Coordination (LEC) interns assist with the LEC Program. The LEC Program helps to structure law enforcement engagement.

The candidate(s) selected for this position require strong organizational and communication skills. Interns assigned to the LEC program may be assigned to the Project Building Safety program to assist in identifying buildings that have a high frequency of drug trafficking and then work with the landlords to reduce drug dealings and related crimes at the location.

LEC interns may also: 

  • Develop and maintain files on problematic properties being targeted
  • Research properties; keep the group on task for calls and meetings with landlords.
  • Draft letters; and coordinate with office and external parties.

 

 

Press Office

 

The candidate(s) selected will have a front row seat in an office that handles press for some of the most high-profile prosecutions in the country. 

Press interns may perform the following duties:

  • Help draft press releases, fact sheets and statements.
  • Create material for staff and press conferences.
  • Monitor activities at trials.
  • Handle press inquiries and internal communications.

Students will also participate in “brown-bag lunches” and may on occasion have an opportunity to sit and listen to legal discussions on various aspects of the Office’s work.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer

Summer Interns are required to work, at a minimum, 40 hours per week for a total of 8 weeks beginning June through August.  Resumes (see below) must be submitted via e-mail, during the period January 15 through January 31.

  • Spring

Students wishing to participate in the spring undergraduate internship program will work from January through April, a minimum of 14 to 16 hours per week.  Resumes (see below) must be submitted via e-mail during the period September 1 through September 30.

  • Fall

Students wishing to participate in the fall undergraduate internship program will work from September through December, a minimum of 14 to 16 hours per week.  Resumes (see below) must be submitted via e-mail during the period May 1 through May 31.

NOTE: In addition to the established timeframes set above, we may post announcements at local schools for internships as the need arises.

Application Process

Resume. Please attach a cover letter to your resume. Ensure that your GPA and graduation date are clearly indicated. E-mail your resume and cover letter within the time frame indicated above to usanys.jobs@usdoj.gov attn: Darci Brady.
Candidates for all programs will be selected by Human Resources at the United States Attorney’s Office. Applicants must be in good academic standing and exhibit a strong desire to perform public service work with a legal organization. Candidates who are selected will be required to pass a background check. Please note that, among other items, any illegal drug use during the prior twelve months may make it unlikely that you can be taken on board as an intern.

Program Requirements

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • A security package must be completed and favorably adjudicated
  • Internships are unpaid
  • This is not a remote opportunity; interns are expected to report to the office during the duration of this internship
  • Internships may not lead to guaranteed permanent positions
  • U.S. Residency Requirement - Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years.  The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive.  Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are exempt from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, genetic information, disability, age, membership or nonmembership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.

Updated January 9, 2024