Law Student Volunteer, Fall

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa contains a Civil and Criminal Division. The Criminal Division prosecutes violations of federal criminal law - types of cases include, but are not limited to mail, wire, tax and securities fraud; environmental crimes; firearm crimes; bank robbery; drug crimes; Internet predators; etc. The Civil Division attorneys act as defense counsel for government agencies and employees. Types of civil cases handled include, but are not limited to discrimination (race, sex, age, disability, religion); bankruptcy; immigration; Federal Tort Claims Act; etc. Civil Division attorneys also act as plaintiff's counsel in areas, which include, but are not limited to: Medicaid and Medicare fraud; the False Claims Act; and any other cases in which the United States has been injured financially or where injunctive relief is needed.

Office Website: http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia

Assignments include, but are not limited to, assisting attorneys with legal research; writing pleadings; trial preparation; and drafting responsive motions, dispositive motions, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs. The law student volunteers will become familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, the local rules of practice for the United States District Court, and the local and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. In addition, they may attend witness interviews, meetings with investigative agents, and accompany the attorneys to observe court proceedings in cases on which they have worked or in cases of general interest in the office. Law students who qualify to practice under the district court's student practice rules may also be assigned to handle motion hearings. Our goal is to introduce law students to the federal legal system and to help them develop their practical legal skills.

First-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students are encouraged to apply. Law Students with strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills. U.S. citizenship required. Ability to volunteer 16-40 hours a week is required. Due to the sensitive nature of the work performed by the office, candidates invited to interview will be expected to consent to a credit check; all offers to candidates are conditioned upon the successful completion of a required background check which requires disclosure of any drug use, law enforcement and employment records, and financial credit information.

E-mailed applications are preferred and may be sent to david.harris2@usdoj.gov

Attached to each e-mail should be a single pdf file consisting of: (1) cover letter (including availability and desired office location i.e. Des Moines, Davenport or Council Bluffs); (2) resume; (3) law school transcript; and (4) a legal writing sample (no more than 10 pages)

Applications may also be mailed to:
U.S. Attorney's Office
Southern District of Iowa
210 Walnut Street, Suite 455
Des Moines, IA 50309

Point of Contact:
David Harris (Human Resources Specialist)
Email: david.harris2@usdoj.gov

Fax: (515) 473-9298

Volunteer (uncompensated). Course credit, work-study, and externship opportunities are available depending on school requirements.