Law Student Volunteer, Academic Year

The USAO is the principal federal litigator in the Eastern District of Wisconsin and is responsible for coordinating federal investigations within the District. The District is divided into two divisions, with the main office located in Milwaukee. 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 among other things. There are approximately 37 AUSAs, most of whom work in the Milwaukee Office. The office is divided into a criminal section and a civil section. The judicial district is located in the Seventh Circuit.

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.

Student interns will work with a number of different AUSAs on both criminal and civil matters. The experience is largely research and writing oriented, with interns producing memoranda, briefs, and various legal pleadings. Interns may also have an opportunity to assist AUSAs with trial preparation, which may include interviewing witnesses, assembling exhibits and drafting jury instructions. Interns are encouraged to observe proceedings in the district and magistrate courts and we make an effort to provide an opportunity for interns to observe a day of appellate arguments in the Seventh Circuit. Students who have completed one half of their law school credits and are certified by their law school as possessing the ability, training and character to participate in activities permitted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules for the Practical Training of Law Students, may have the opportunity to appear in court under the supervision of an Assistant United States Attorney.

Internship Location: Milwaukee

Second- and third-year law students. Law school graduates are not eligible for intern positions. Must be a U.S. citizen and will be subject to a background investigation due to the sensitive nature of the work performed by the office. No student will be allowed to begin work until the office receives notification of security clearance.

Email cover letter (include dates of availability and daytime and evening telephone numbers), resume, law school transcript, legal writing sample, and two letters of reference to:

usawie.intern@usdoj.gov

ATTN: Bridget Schoenborn, Assistant United States Attorney, and Kevin Knight, Assistant United States Attorney.
Telephone: (414) 297-1700
Fax: (414) 297-1738

Application Deadlines: Fall: June 30 Spring: October 30

Possible work-study credit. We will work with law schools to ensure that interns earn appropriate academic credit where available. Some law schools offer public interest/public sector stipends and we will work with the student and/or school to facilitate.