What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Student Volunteer, Criminal Division, Appellate Section (2025) position at U.S. Department of Justice?
The Appellate Section prepares draft briefs and certiorari petitions for the Solicitor General for filing in the U.S. Supreme Court; makes recommendations to the Solicitor General as to whether further review is warranted on adverse decisions in the district courts and courts of appeals; and prepares briefs and argues cases in the courts of appeals. The section also prepares and argues motions in significant district court cases. The Section assists U.S. Attorneys and Division prosecutors in preparing briefs for the courts of appeals and provides advice on a variety of legal issues.
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 assume substantial responsibility for researching and writing memoranda to the Solicitor General concerning whether he or she should approve an appeal, rehearing, or certiorari in criminal cases where there has been a ruling adverse to the United States. Interns are assigned to prepare these memoranda in a broad range of cases, including cases involving suppression of evidence, dismissals of indictments, post-verdict judgments of acquittal, and adverse sentencing determinations. The legal issues are quite varied, and often involve constitutional questions, questions of statutory interpretation, or the correct application of the Sentencing Guidelines. Interns also assist Section attorneys with researching and writing briefs to be filed in the Supreme Court and federal courts of appeals, and are invited to participate in moot courts. If the Supreme Court is sitting during the student’s internship, the intern will have the opportunity to attend at least one Court session.
The Section considers remote volunteer internships during the academic year for candidates who attend law school outside the DC area.
The Appellate Section hires volunteer interns who have completed at least one year of law school. An offer of a position as a law student intern is contingent on completion of a security clearance.
To apply for an internship, please submit a cover letter, resume, official or unofficial transcript, and writing sample (not to exceed ten pages) to App.Interns@usdoj.gov. Please do not mail application materials.
Please submit all applications by the following deadlines:
Applications for summer internships must be submitted by December 7;
Applications for fall internships must be submitted by April 15;
Applications for spring internships must be submitted by October 1.
