What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Student Volunteer, CRM, Public Integrity Section (Academic Year ) position at U.S. Department of Justice?
The Public Integrity Section (PIN) oversees the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes affecting government integrity, including bribery of public officials, election crimes, and other related offenses. PIN investigates and prosecutes some of the most sensitive, complex, and contentious public corruption cases handled by the Department, including cases involving elected and appointed officials at all levels of government. PIN also serves as a source of advice and expertise for federal prosecutors and agents regarding the handling of public corruption cases nationwide and plays a key role in developing Department policy concerning public corruption and election crime investigations and prosecutions. PIN handles cases in Districts across the country, either on its own or in partnership with the local U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Election Crimes Branch within the Section supervises the Department’s nationwide response to election crimes, such as voter fraud and campaign-finance offenses. The Director of the Election Crimes Branch reviews all major election crime investigations throughout the country and all proposed criminal charges relating to election crimes.
The Section is comprised of attorneys with a wealth of prosecution experience at the federal and state level, as well as other experience in all three branches of federal government. PIN alumni have served in a range of important posts in the federal legal system, including as Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, federal judges, U.S. Attorneys, and various other leadership positions in the Department, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and other federal agencies.
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.
Legal interns work closely with PIN trial attorneys on a range of investigative and litigation issues related to PIN’s efforts to combat public corruption. Interns research complex legal questions, draft motions and responses, assist with appeals, conduct factual analysis, and update PIN’s internal resources. Assignments often touch upon substantive criminal law (relating primarily to bribery and fraud), evidence, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, constitutional criminal procedure, and election law. Legal interns work on a variety of projects during their internships and typically produce significant written work product. Interns are offered opportunities to observe witness interviews, meetings with attorneys and agents, trials, hearings, and other proceedings. Interning for PIN is an intensive but rewarding experience that has been invaluable for prior interns, many of whom have clerked after graduation for federal district and circuit court judges, been accepted into the Honors Program, or joined a U.S. Attorney’s Office.
All applicants must be currently enrolled in law school and have a strong academic background, excellent research and writing skills, mature judgment, an openness to learning, and a commitment to public service. Applicants should recognize and be committed to the non-partisan nature of the Public Integrity Section’s work.
Summer interns work full-time (40 hours a week) for at least 10 weeks. Fall and spring semester intern usually work part-time (16-20 hours a week) throughout the semester (10-12 weeks), although we have worked with law schools that permit full-time work in exchange for credit. Interns must reside in the Washington, D.C. area during their internship, though hybrid work is allowed. Applicants should specify in their cover letter the term or terms for which they would like to be considered. If applying for a spring or fall internship, applicants should also identify whether they are available full-time or part-time.
Because of the sensitive nature of PIN’s work, all offers are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
To apply, please submit an application package consisting of a single PDF that includes a cover letter, resume, law school transcript (official or unofficial), legal writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages), and three references. Email application materials to pin.interns@usdoj.gov.
Applications for the spring, summer, and fall semesters will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Uncompensated
