What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Student Volunteer, Summer position at U.S. Department of Justice?
Ste. 211
Knoxville, TN 37902 - United States
As part of the Department of Justice, the United States Attorney's Office has jurisdiction and responsibility to represent the legal interests of the federal government before the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee. The office participates in the investigation and prosecution of violations of federal criminal statutes, usually in connection with a grand jury. The office also represents the United States in civil suits filed against federal agencies and employees, as well as in affirmative civil actions to enforce compliance with federal law or protect the interests of the United States. In addition, Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the office handle all appeals in their cases before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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.
The Intern Litigation Program attempts to provide the student with an opportunity to: (1) experience the investigative/pretrial stage of criminal prosecutions, working with agents of the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Secret Service, and other agencies; (2) experience civil pretrial conferences, depositions, settlement negotiations, etc.; (3) observe and assist in all types of federal court proceedings, including matters before U.S. magistrate judges, district court judges, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals; and (4) research and draft a variety of litigation-related documents such as district court motions and memoranda of law, indictments, in-house memoranda, and civil discovery documents. Third-year or rising third-year students may be certified by the Tennessee Supreme Court under its student practice rule and authorized to represent the United States in district court or before a United States Magistrate Judge in various proceedings under the supervision of the responsible Assistant United States Attorney.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens actively enrolled in an accredited law school throughout the 2025 summer (rising second- and third-year law students). Prior to hiring, selected applicants must successfully complete a background review that includes drug use, police/FBI check, credit check and previous employment verification.
In accordance with DOJ policy, applications will be accepted starting December 1, 2024. Please submit (via email) a cover letter, resume, and transcript. Please note in cover letter specific office(s)/division(s) of interest and date when available.
For a Position in the Knoxville Criminal Division, email:
AUSA Michael Deel, Email: michael.deel@usdoj.gov
or
AUSA Caroline Poore, Email: caroline.poore@usdoj.gov
or
AUSA Michael Gilmore, Email: michael.gilmore@usdoj.gov
For a Position in the Knoxville Civil Division, email:
AUSA Spence Fair, Email: spencer.fair@usdoj.gov
For a Position in the Chattanooga Office, email:
AUSA Russ Swafford, Email: russ.swafford@usdoj.gov
For a Position in the Greeneville Office, email:
AUSA Meghan Gomez, Email: meghan.gomez@usdoj.gov
This is an unpaid internship. Work-study credit as determined by the student’s law school.
