What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Student Volunteer, SMART Office (Summer 2025) position at U.S. Department of Justice?
Washington, DC 20002 - United States
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is the largest grantmaking component of the Department of Justice and houses the Department’s criminal and juvenile justice-related science, statistics, and programmatic agencies. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, training and technical assistance, research and statistics, and other critical resources to advance work that strengthens community safety, promotes civil rights and racial equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, and builds trust between law enforcement and communities.
OJP's SMART Office is responsible for cooperating with and providing technical assistance to states, the District of Columbia, principal U.S. Territories, units of local government, tribal governments, and other public and private entities involved in activities related to sex offender registration and/or notification or to other measures for the protection of children or other members of the public from sexual abuse or exploitation; administering grant programs relating to sex offender registration and notification authorized by the Adam Walsh Act Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and other grant programs authorized by the Adam Walsh Act as directed by the Attorney General; and performing such other functions as the Attorney General may delegate. SMART provides leadership services, and funding to America's communities by: building relationships in the field; developing collaborations and partnerships; promoting capacity building through planning; streamlining the administration of grants; increasing training and technical assistance; creating accountability of projects; encouraging innovation; and, ultimately, assisting in the creation of consistent sex offender accountability and management programs throughout the United States.
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.
SMART interns will conduct a variety of legal research and analysis related to civil sex offender registration and notification laws, including assisting the SMART office with building an internal database of the differences among jurisdictions' registration and notification programs. Interns will also get exposure to speaking with law enforcement personnel and attorneys at the state/Indian tribe/U.S. territory level. Interns may be asked to assist policy advisors with reviewing statutes, regulations, draft and/or final legislation and providing an analysis of how these documents impact a jurisdiction's implementation of SORNA. Interns will have the opportunity to work in person and attend in-person meetings but may also work remotely for the duration of the legal internship.
First-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students are encouraged to apply.
Superior research skills, LexisNexis and/or Westlaw proficiency, an eye for detail, and a desire to work as part of a small team of professionals.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Please submit:
1) Cover letter
2) Resume
3) Current law school transcript
Writing samples are encouraged.
Submit all application materials in one, combined pdf document via email to Student.Employment@ojp.usdoj.gov, subject line JP-25-SMART-SVOL. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis prior to the application deadline.
PLEASE NOTE: You may be required to travel to your nearest federal servicing office to secure a DOJ Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential (badge). This credential may be required to allow you access to the DOJ/OJP IT network via a government-issued laptop. Obtaining a PIV credential outside of the Washington, DC, metropolitan area may require two appointments. If offered an internship, you agree to travel to obtain a PIV credential, if required.
Volunteer (uncompensated). Course credit, work-study, and externship opportunities are available depending on school requirements.
