Law Student Volunteer (Fall 2025), FTCA Section

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Section Staff handles litigation involving the FTCA, 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b), which provides a legal mechanism for individuals to seek compensation from the United States Government for tortious acts committed by federal employees within the scope of their employment. The FTCA Staff defends the United States in a wide variety of personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death cases, including complex medical malpractice, regulatory activities, law enforcement, personal injury, and maintenance of federal lands.

The FTCA Section Staff also serve as the principal point of contact for other Department of Justice components, such as the United States Attorneys' Offices. and other federal agencies. Our attorneys assist in litigation development and settlement strategy and have particular expertise in the evaluation and settlement of catastrophic injury cases.

In addition, the FTCA Section Staff make appeal recommendations on all adverse judgments entered in FTCA cases. They also provide comments on FTCA-related Congressional legislation that may have an impact on taxpayer liability. Further, the FTCA Section Staff are responsible for administrative adjustment of tort claims filed as a result of DOJ employee conduct nationwide.

The FTCA Section is accepting applications for volunteer law students for Fall 2025. Interns are given substantive projects which are utilized in the office's practice. On average, an academic year legal intern will have completed five to six substantive assignments which often include issues involving federal rules of procedure, evidence, and a variety of state tort law issues. Volunteer legal interns receive close review of their assignments and candid assessments of their work product. Where possible, the interns are encouraged to attend moot courts, local depositions, and court appearances.

Work Schedule

Full time (40 hours per week) or part-time (16 hours per week) for twelve to fourteen weeks.

Remote work options are available for this position.

Term: Fall 2025 (August/September 2025 - December 2025)

Important Notices

Applications for Fall 2025 are only open to second-year and third-year students (including part-time students).

Must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited law school.

Must have completed one year of law school by the start of the internship.

Must be in excellent academic standing. The office, however, considers the entire background and experience of applicants in assessing an application.

Must be excellent writers and demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.

Must be able to pass a background check.

For remote work (if applicable):

Must have reliable high-speed Internet access and a private workspace suitable for handling sensitive government information.

Must maintain regular communication during business hours and attend virtual meetings, as required.

Must demonstrate the ability to work independently while collaborating with the team in a virtual environment.

Please send your application package in .pdf format and include the following:

Cover letter

Resume

Writing sample (no more than ten pages and mostly legal analysis)

Law school transcript (official or unofficial)

Email your application to Gail K. Johnson at civftca.internjobs@usdoj.gov with "Fall 2025 Law Student Volunteer" in the subject line.

Application Timeline:

The final deadline to submit applications is June 1, 2025.

Applications are reviewed and offers are made on a rolling basis.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early as positions may be filled before the deadline.

• Unpaid; academic or work-study credit may be available depending on school requirements.
• Transit subsidy available for in-person commuting.
• Snacks provided.