What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Student Volunteer, Summer 2025 position at U.S. Department of Justice?
Rm 253, #9
Anchorage, AK 99513 - United States
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska represents the United States and its agencies in civil and criminal litigation before the United States District Court for the District of Alaska and on appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Criminal Division is responsible for prosecuting all federal crimes ranging from acts of terrorism to public corruption, white-collar crime, gang and gun crimes, internet-related crimes, and environmental crimes. Through its Civil Division, the Office is charged with defending agencies of the United States, enforcing regulatory agencies' authority, and recovering funds from violators of U.S. criminal, regulatory, and civil laws.
An internship with U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska offers a unique and challenging experience to work in criminal prosecution or civil litigation in the Last Frontier. Assignments include, but are not limited to, drafting responsive motions, dispositive motions, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs. Interns become familiar with the rules of evidence and either the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure depending on placement with the Criminal or Civil Division. In addition, interns may attend depositions, meetings with agents, and accompany attorneys to observe court proceedings. By local rule, law students in their second semester of their second year of law school, or law student in their third year of law school, have a unique opportunity to be approved to appear in court at hearings and participate in trials.
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.
Perform research projects and assist in discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation. To ensure that all interns finish the fall internship with a good writing sample, every intern will work under the guidance of an AUSA to prepare documents to be filed with the court. Interns will be given assignments with as many different attorneys as possible providing exposure to a wider variety of practice areas and professional contacts. We also have brown bad lunches at which AUSAs, the defense bar, the judiciary, and federal agents speak. Our goal is to introduce our interns to the federal legal system, to develop their legal skills and, and above all, to enjoy the Fall season in Alaska.
Internship Locations: Anchorage (3); Fairbanks (1); Juneau (1)
Law students that have completed their first year. Law school graduates are not eligible for student positions. Students chosen will be subject to a background investigation, which can take up to three months. Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must provide information for a background investigation (includes inquiry into suitability issues such as illegal activity such as drug use, outstanding debts, tax information, etc.). Final approval for all applications is then obtained from the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Minimum Participation Required: 6-8 weeks
Application packages must include:
Resume
Cover letter that addresses: (1) why you are interested in the District of Alaska, (2) a preference for the Criminal or Civil Division, and (3) geographic preference. Note that the geographic placement for the Civil Division is limited to Anchorage, whereas geographic placement for the Criminal Division is available in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau.
Law school transcript
Writing sample
Application documents should be submitted in PDF format and combined into one document is preferable.
First-year law students: Applications accepted starting December 1st, in accordance with DOJ policy. 1Ls may not submit an application prior to December 1st.
Please email application materials to: USAAK.InternApplications@usdoj.gov
Application Deadline: February 15th, 2025
The deadline for fall internship application is February 15th of the year for which application is made. Positions will be filled on a rolling basis. All decisions will be made by March 30th. If interested in an internship for Fall, Winter or Spring, please provide an application at least six weeks prior to desire start date.
Work-study credit possible.
