Law Student Volunteer, FTCA Section Staff (Fall 2025)

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 serves 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 makes 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.

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.

The term of this position is Fall 2025 (August/September 2025 - December 2025). Interns may work either full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (16 hours per week) for twelve to fourteen weeks. Applications for Fall 2025 are only open to second-year and third-year students (including part-time students). Unfortunately, graduates are ineligible for this position.

Candidates must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited law school. Candidates must have completed one year of law school by the start of the internship. Candidates must be in excellent academic standing. The office, however, considers the entire background and experience of applicants in assessing an application. Candidates must be excellent writers and demonstrate strong research and analytical skills. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national and must be able to pass a background check.

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

Cover letter

Resume

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

Law school transcript (official or unofficial)

Please email your application package to Gail K. Johnson at civftca.internjobs@usdoj.gov with “Fall 2025 Law Student Volunteer” in the subject line. 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 June 1, 2025 deadline.

Unpaid; academic or work-study credit may be available depending on school requirements. Transit subsidy is available. Snacks are provided.