What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Student Volunteer Summer 2025 position at U.S. Department of Justice?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a unique law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), whose mission is to protect our communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. As a small agency with broad, interrelated missions involving law enforcement, regulatory, compliance, and homeland-security concerns, ATF affords interns with the opportunity to experience a variety of legal disciplines in a dynamic and collegial environment.
ATF's Office of Chief Counsel provides legal advice and services to the Bureau nationwide in support of programs and operations. Headquarters attorneys are divided into four practice groups, including: Firearms and Explosives Law; General Law and Information; Litigation; and Management.
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.
ATF's Office of Chief Counsel provides student interns with the opportunity to work closely with attorneys who provide legal advice to a wide array of ATF and DOJ officials on ATF's policies, programs, and enforcement operations; who review and draft potential legislation impacting ATF's authority and enforcement capabilities; and who handle affirmative, defensive and personnel litigation for ATF. Interns can expect to research discrete legal issues, review and organize documents for litigation, draft memoranda and correspondence, and perform other tasks as required.
Volunteers will also be expected to perform effective research and analysis of legal issues relating to the following areas: criminal laws and regulatory policy governing alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives; Second Amendment law; employment law; civil litigation; fiscal law; ethics; asset forfeiture and seized property; and disclosure law.
Students who have completed one full year of law school by summer 2025.
Students must be a U.S. Citizen and will be subject to a security background investigation due to the sensitive nature of the work.
Please submit (1) a cover letter (including dates available) expressing your interest, (2) a resume, and (3) a brief writing sample (8 page maximum), via E-mail with “Summer 2025” in the subject line to CHIEFCOUNSEL-INTERNSHIPS@ATF.GOV. Please include all materials in one PDF file.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis but must be submitted no later than December 1, 2024, for current 2L students, and by January 1, 2025, for current 1L students.
Uncompensated but will work with law school programs that offer academic credit.