Washington Center

UCDC Law Program - Externship Opportunities

Contact UCDC Law Program Director Nicole Lehtman for more information about the following externship opportunities, including how to apply. Please check here for a more frequently updated version of this list. 

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Legal Policy

The mission of the Office of Legal Policy (OLP) is to develop and implement the Department’s significant policy initiatives, handle special projects that implicate the interests of multiple Department components, coordinate with other interested Department components and other Executive Branch agencies, and serve as the primary policy advisor to the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General. OLP also reviews and coordinates regulations promulgated by the Department and all of its components, and reviews draft regulations of other agencies that are circulated for review. In addition, OLP assists the Attorney General and White House Counsel’s Office with responsibilities in vetting

candidates for federal judgeships, and coordinates the judicial nomination and confirmation process with the White House and the Senate. 

 

OLP law student interns will conduct legal and non-legal research and analysis, prepare memoranda and talking points, and assemble briefing books and other materials relating to legal and policy issues for the Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Assistant Attorneys General, and other members of the office. Internship Location:  Washington, DC.  OLP is operating under a maximum telework policy, subject to Department guidance; therefore, this position will be remote until otherwise noted. Minimum Weeks Required: 8, with at least 20 hours per week.

 

Please submit a cover letter (specifying the dates of your availability), resume, and your most recent law school transcript (can be unofficial) in a consolidated PDF file (the file name to be saved as YourLastName_YourFirstName_Spring2022InternApplication to the following address via e-mail (OLPinbox@usdoj.gov). 

 

Eligibility: 

  • First, second, and third-year law students
  • Excellent research and writing skills with Lexis/Nexis and Westlaw proficiency.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the Department’s mission and prior experience working policy, legislation, regulatory matters, or judicial nominations preferred but not required

 

Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Voting Section 

The Voting Section has enforcement responsibility for the civil provisions of the federal voting rights laws, including Voting Rights Act, the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, and certain provisions of the Civil Rights Acts that relate to voting.  To carry out its mission, the Section brings lawsuits against states, counties, cities, and other jurisdictions to remedy denials and abridgements of the right to vote.

 

Interns will assist by conducting legal and factual research regarding ongoing investigations and litigation, as well as other general research.

 

The Voting Section accepts interns for every semester of the academic year, as well as the summer. The Section accepts both law interns and undergraduate interns.  During the academic year, the Section prefers law interns to work for a minimum of 15-20 hours per week for at least eight weeks, and undergraduate interns to work for 32-40 hours per week for at least eight weeks.  For the summer, the Section prefers interns to work full time for at least eight weeks.  The Section is particularly interested in applicants with demonstrated interest or experience in voting rights work..

 

Interested students should submit a resume, brief writing sample (no more than 10 pages of your own work), transcript (unofficial is acceptable), references, and a cover letter highlighting your qualifications, as well as, your interest and experience in the work of the Division and the Section(s) to which you are applying, and indicating the dates/time period you are available to work. Any applicant eligible for veterans' preference is encouraged to include that information in your cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214 or other substantiating documents) to your submissions. Applications must be e-mailed to the Section-specific email address provided below or, if email is not available, faxed to (202) 514-6603. You must submit a separate application for each section in which you seek employment; include the name of the Section in the subject line of each application. Applications must be emailed to crt.volunteervacancies-VOT@usdoj.gov.

 

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens; dual citizens will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants further must meet the residency requirement. Specifically, for a total of three years (not necessarily consecutive years) of the five years immediately prior to applying for a position, the applicant must have: (1) resided in the U.S.; (2) worked for the U.S. overseas in a Federal or military capacity; or, (3) been a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving overseas.

 

Applicants must be students. The following students are eligible: undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time; public policy graduate students; first-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students; and law school graduates who are enrolled in graduate law programs (e.g., L.L.M. programs) at least half-time. All students must be in good academic standing and will be required to provide official documentation from their school. 

 

 

Export-Import Bank of the United States' Office of the General Counsel

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) is the official export credit agency of the United States. When private sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, EXIM Bank fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales. With over 80 years of experience, EXIM Bank has supported more than $600 billion of U.S. exports, primarily to developing markets worldwide. The Office of the General Counsel’s law student intern will conduct legal research, write memoranda and draft briefs and policies. She/he will assist with documentation for, and attend meetings on, international trade finance, insurance, structured and project finance and transportation finance transactions. The intern will also assist with litigation, compliance, and administrative law questions. EXIM Bank currently seeks law student interns for unpaid full- or part-time internships for the upcoming Summer Semester and unpaid part-time internships for the upcoming Fall Semester. The internship can be carried out remotely. 

 

To apply for the internship, please submit your resume, writing sample, transcript and cover letter to caroline.jouy@exim.gov and marina.braginskaya@exim.gov.

 

Eligibility: US citizen students obtaining a JD or an LLM. 

 

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, Civil Rights and Labor-Management Division

SOL's Civil Rights and Labor-Management Division (CRLM) provides a broad range of legal services, including advice, litigation, and assistance in rulemaking, to several components of the Department, including the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs; Office of Labor-Management Standards; Civil Rights Center; Office of Disability Employment Policy; Women's Bureau; Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships; and Office of Apprenticeship. In general, CRLM's client agencies administer and enforce a variety of civil rights, EEO, and labor laws. For more information about CRLM, please visit our website: www.dol.gov/agencies/sol/divisions/civil-rights-labor-management

 

The law student intern will assist CRLM in providing legal services to the client agencies listed above. Duties will include significant legal research and writing in connection with advice, litigation, and/or rulemaking projects for client agencies, such as drafting memoranda, analyses, and briefs, and may include attending meetings with the client agencies and other SOL divisions as appropriate. All interested candidates must submit: (1) a cover letter; (2) resume; (3) law school transcript; (4) recent writing sample; and (5) a list of three references by email to:

Jo Ann Baptiste

Management and Program Analyst

CRLMInternshipApplications@dol.gov

202-693-5737

 

For more information, contact:

  • Ann Baptiste – 202-693-5737
  • Jennifer Frey – 202-693-5806
  • Radine Legum – 202-693-5287

Eligibility: 

  • Excellent research and writing skills; a demonstrated interest in civil rights, labor, and employment issues; and a strong academic record.
  • Prior relevant courses or work experience preferred but not required.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

U.S. Administrative Conference of the United States

The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) is a small federal agency with just 15 employees, dedicated to improving the administrative process in the federal government. ACUS provides nonpartisan expert advice to federal agencies and makes recommendations for improvement for agency procedures. ACUS members include representatives from the federal government, academia, and the private sector, and the agency seeks to build consensus among these experts. Because ACUS is such a small agency, interns are given important, substantive assignments from the beginning of their internships. Interns work closely with supervising attorneys to conduct legal research, analysis, and writing. Assignments commonly include research into specific questions of law and policy and preparation of legal memoranda. Throughout their internships, interns are exposed to a range of topics within administrative and regulatory law and have opportunities to interact with experts from a number of different administrative agencies and fields of expertise.

 

The Conference is seeking 2Ls and 3Ls for 3-4 unpaid internships in the Fall and Spring Semesters. Please submit a cover letter highlighting any relevant coursework and work experience, and the semester for which you wish to intern; a resume that includes law school GPA; an unofficial law school transcript; and a writing sample. Please be sure to indicate the approximate number of hours per week, if part-time is desired.  Send completed applications to internships@acus.gov.

 

Eligibility: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Successfully complete a background investigation
  • Be able to receive either a Secret or Top Secret clearance
  • You may be subject to random drug testing.
  • Be an Undergraduate (juniors and seniors) or Graduate Student
  • A student is an individual who is enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university.
  • Students must be returning to school immediately following the internship in order to qualify for the program. In addition, students must attach an official or unofficial transcript to their application confirming they are current students. 

Application Deadline: TBD

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Honors Program

The SEC boasts a robust Student Honors Program in which students undertake assignments that directly support the SEC’s mission to protect investors; maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and facilitate capital formation through securities and financial market regulation.

 

The SEC’s Student Honors Program is a ten-week (unpaid) program for undergraduate, graduate, and law students to become acquainted with the regulation of the securities markets. Students work with SEC Staff members on projects covering a broad range of the Commission’s mission, such as conducting investigations of industry and issuer practices, assisting in the litigation of enforcement actions, and drafting proposed statutes and rules. SEC Staff members serve as professional mentors, assisting with research and writing projects, as well as providing advice and guidance on career development.

Students are invited to attend seminars, training workshops, and commission meetings as a part of their service at the SEC.

 

The Student Honors Program offers (unpaid) opportunities to students in Washington, D.C., and our 11 regional offices. In the regional offices, the honors students will typically be assigned to either the Division of Enforcement or the Division of Examinations (EXAMS).

 

The SEC is seeking bright, innovative, results-oriented individuals for the Student Honors Program in our Washington, DC Home, and Regional Offices. We offer graduate and professional students robust responsibilities and experiences that enhance their careers. Over the course of the program, students work with Commission staff on projects particular to the specific Division or Office to which they are assigned. Students also have the opportunity to participate in seminars/workshops, roundtable discussions, and a mentoring program that will provide detailed information and guidance on securities laws and regulations. 

 

Students must submit a resume with current contact information, a one-page cover letter, an unofficial school transcript, a list of current courses, and a 5 to 10-page writing sample (graduate and legal students only). Your cover letter should be addressed “Dear Hiring Committee” with the location to which you are applying (DC or a Region) in the mailing address block. The cover letter is the best way to explain why you think your interests or experience would make a contribution, either to the SEC in general or to particular divisions/offices. In your cover letter, please indicate three preferred offices and divisions in which you would like to work. Search https://state.usajobs.gov/ under “Student Honors Program” or “Securities & Exchange Commission”

 

If you have any questions and/or need clarification, please email us at students@sec.gov.

 

Eligibility: 

  • Students must be U.S. Citizens.
  • Students may not have immediate relatives currently employed with the SEC.
  • Prior to appointment, a satisfactory background investigation is required.
  • Students must be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program. School verification will be required.
  • Students must have the equivalent of a 3.0 or B average (preferred).

 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General

The Office of Counsel to the Inspector General (OCIG) Health Care Fraud and Abuse Legal Internship program offers unpaid opportunities for second and third-year law students with an interest in government and healthcare law. Interns must commit to working a minimum of 15 hours per week for 10 to 12 weeks. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interns will work remotely, with the potential to transition to working in-person in OIG’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. 

 

OCIG promotes the mission of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) through timely, accurate, and persuasive legal advocacy and counsel. OCIG has five branches. The Administrative and Civil Remedies Branch handles civil fraud and abuse cases involving Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs; works with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve civil False Claims Act cases, and defends the decision to exclude providers from participating in Federal health care programs. The Industry Guidance Branch issues advisory opinions to the public and healthcare industry on whether an activity constitutes grounds for sanction and provides legal advice to HHS and DOJ on the Anti-Kickback Statute. The Advice Branch advises on issues such as the scope and exercise of the Inspector General’s authorities and responsibilities, investigative techniques and resolution, and audits and inspections. The Affirmative Litigation Branch focuses on investigating and initiating health-care fraud cases under OIG’s Civil Monetary Penalty and exclusion authorities. The Exclusions Branch promotes the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of HHS programs and reinstates individuals and entities permitting them back into the Federal health care programs. Interns will have an opportunity to research and draft briefs, memoranda, and correspondence for the branches. 

 

Submit cover letter, résumé, unofficial transcript, and five-page legal writing sample. Please submit all materials as a single .pdf file. A committee of attorneys reviews the applications and selects candidates for telephone interviews, if necessary. Selected candidates must pass a background investigation and receive security clearance before starting the internship. OCIG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or selection process, please email the OCIG.LawClerks@oig.hhs.gov address. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

 

Eligibility: 

  • Applicants must be in their second or third year of law school (or equivalent for evening/part-time programs)
  • or in an LLM program.
  • Applicants must qualify either for course credit, work as part of a law school’s externship program, or
  • participate in a school-sponsored public interest program. Applicants will need to coordinate with their
  • school or other applicable institutions to meet this requirement.
  • Applicants must commit to at least 15 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks and up to 12 weeks.
  • A demonstrated interest in health care law and public service is a plus

Application Deadline: TBD

U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division

The Tax Division seeks to engage volunteer law student interns during the spring semester for its Appellate Section, Civil Trial Sections, Financial Litigation Unit (FLU), Criminal Enforcement Sections, and Criminal Appeals and Tax Enforcement Policy Section (CATEPS).

 

The Appellate Section, Civil Trial Sections, and the FLU handle civil cases presenting a variety of legal issues involving federal tax law, bankruptcy law, constitutional law, property law, and commercial law, as well as the panoply of evidentiary, procedural, and jurisdictional issues that are the staple of any civil litigation docket. The Tax Division’s Appellate Section handles appeals of civil cases and U.S. Tax Court cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals and participates with the Office of the Solicitor General in proceedings before the Supreme Court. The six regional Civil Trial Sections handle litigation in the United States District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts nationwide, and the seventh civil section – the Court of Federal Claims Section – defends all tax suits filed in the United States Court of Federal Claims. The FLU handles post-judgment litigation in U.S. District Courts (and occasionally in Bankruptcy Courts) to collect money judgments obtained by the Civil Trial Sections.

 

The Tax Division’s three Criminal Enforcement Sections are responsible for authorizing all federal criminal tax prosecutions throughout the United States. The Sections investigate and prosecute individuals and corporations that attempt to evade taxes, willfully fail to file tax returns, submit false tax forms, and otherwise attempt to defraud the government. CATEPS handles or supervises the appeals of those cases and tax cases prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and works with the IRS and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop policies that govern the investigation and prosecution of tax crimes. 

 

For more information about the Tax Division’s offices and the cases they handle, please see our website at http://www.justice.gov/tax/about-division.

 

Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.

 

The Tax Division works to provide a valuable internship experience by attempting to ensure that legal interns assist in as many aspects of the Division’s work as possible, and that interns are provided written or oral feedback on their assignments. Interns are assigned to a section for the semester and work closely with that section’s attorneys on a wide range of issues, to the extent allowed by law. Interns are frequently asked to research legal issues that arise in pending cases,  but may also be asked to prepare legal memoranda or draft pleadings, briefs, motions, and other legal documents. Interns may assist with discovery, including drafting interrogatories, document requests, and subpoenas. Interns may have the opportunity to help attorneys prepare for arguments, trials, and hearings, and may have the opportunity to attend and observe those that are local.

Interns will be expected to work approximately 10-12 weeks during the semester, for a minimum of 15 hours per week. It is anticipated that most interns will be attending classes during the semester and will therefore be working a part-time schedule; however, the sections will attempt to accommodate requests for full-time internships. Please submit a resume, writing sample, and law school transcripts (official or unofficial) with a cover letter via email to Intern Coordinator at LawInterns.TaxDivision@usdoj.gov.

 

Eligibility: 

  • Strong academic record and excellent legal research and writing skills. Interns must be able to grasp issues quickly, conduct thorough and accurate research, and write clearly, concisely, and persuasively. 
  • U.S. citizenships and have resided in the United States for three of the past five years.
  • Background investigation

Application Deadline: TBD

Peace Corps, Office of Inspector General

Each semester the Peace Corps Office of Inspector General (OIG) selects one or two law students to participate in its legal intern program in Washington, D.C. OIG’s legal intern program is ideal for law students who are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice, government oversight, legislative affairs, or administrative law. In addition, students selected for the summer program will participate in the Summer Law Clerk Program organized by the Council of Counsels to the Inspectors General. The program allows students to learn about the inspector general community, to visit other federal agencies and Congress, and a variety of legal issues facing federal government lawyers. Candidates who are selected for the fall or spring semester must commit to working no fewer than 20 hours a week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Candidates selected for the summer must commit to working no fewer than 32 hours a week for a minimum of 10 weeks. Legal interns may work for school credit, provided they comply with their school’s requirements.

 

OIG legal interns do the following:

  • Conduct legal and policy research related to Peace Corps operations and government oversight issues.
  • Track and analyze legislation affecting the inspector general community
  • Solicit and propose ways of addressing the views and concerns of the inspector general community in response to legislative initiatives and Congressional requests.
  • Research legislative proposals or amendments to pending legislation.
  • Assist in reviewing and revising, as appropriate, current Peace Corps and Office of Inspector manuals/policy to accurately reflect agency business practices as well as overall best practices.
  • Provide support in editing OIG reports and memorandums.
  • Assist in researching and writing on specific law enforcement matters within the purview of the Peace Corps Office of Inspector General.
  • Help support Office of Inspector General response to Freedom of Information Act Requests.

OIG accepts applications on a rolling basis. To be considered for OIG’s Legal Intern Program, please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages) to Sarah O’Neill Gerwin, Assistant Inspector General for Management and Administration, at peacecorpsoig-admin@peacecorpsoig.gov.

 

Eligibility: 

  • Full-time and part-time law students who have completed at least two full semesters of legal study are eligible to apply

Application Deadline: TBD

Office of Senator Dick Durbin Judicial Clerkship

As the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Durbin offers a Law Clerk Program for law students who are interested in experiencing the day-to-day operations of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

 

Law Clerks work with the attorneys on Senator Durbin’s Senate Judiciary Committee team and are given assignments that involve conducting legal research; drafting memos that analyze case law, statutes, and legislation; attending briefings; and preparing for congressional hearings.

 

These assignments are related to issues that fall under the Senate Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction, including judicial nominations, immigration, civil rights and civil liberties, criminal law and criminal justice reform, constitutional law, antitrust, and intellectual property. While the majority of the work is substantive in nature, legal interns also are assigned some administrative tasks. Academic credit--based solely on each institution's criteria--may be earned.

 

Applications received early will be given preference. Students are strongly urged to send their materials as soon as possible, as positions fill quickly. Detailed instructions can be found on the application. If you have questions about the Law Clerk Program please email internships@durbin.senate.gov or call 202.224.2152. Apply here.

 

Application Deadline: TBD

House Oversight Committee - Democratic Staff

The Committee on Oversight and Reform is the primary investigative committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, with jurisdiction to investigate any matter at any time. The Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties has jurisdiction over issues related to civil rights, civil liberties, and the equal protection of laws, including voting rights; freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly; equal employment; nondisclosure agreements; criminal justice reform policies; and the Census Bureau. The Democratic staff of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, is seeking an energetic and self-motivated law student for a full-time internship for Spring 2022.  The position offers the opportunity to gain substantive experience on an exciting and fast-paced Subcommittee while participating directly in the oversight process and learning about the day-to-day operations of the House of Representatives.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting staff in preparing for congressional hearings, conducting legal and factual research, drafting memoranda, and attending various briefings and meetings with the Executive Branch and private sector officials.  Law students play a key role in the office and will work closely with Committee counsel and staff. Interested applicants should apply to this position by emailing a cover letter and resume to Devon.Ombres@mail.house.gov with “2022 Spring CRCL Internship Application” in the subject line.  No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

 

Eligibility: Applicants should have (i) an interest in public service and (ii) a desire to learn.  They also must have superior attention to detail, work well under pressure, be self-motivated, and possess excellent written and oral communication skills.  This is a full-time position.  

 

Application Deadline: TBD

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Public Health Division (PHD) 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Public Health Division (PHD) is currently accepting applications for two to three full-time unpaid interns for the fall of 2022. Students should be available for approximately 10 weeks, from approximately the beginning of September to the end of November. Please note that due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, at the time of this posting our office is working remotely. We expect that summer interns will work remotely and might have the option to come into the office on a limited basis. Ordinarily, the internship takes place in our office located in Rockville, MD, and is accessible by the DC metro for those students commuting from DC proper. PHD, one of eight Divisions in OGC, provides legal advice and services to all of the federal agencies within the Public Health Service. The clients we serve out of our Rockville office include the Indian Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration. 

 

Our work touches on a variety of public health matters, such as vaccine and countermeasure

injury compensation, scientific misconduct, HIV/AIDS, community health centers, drug pricing, health workforce distribution and training, disease prevention, fitness and nutrition, organ transplantation, health care delivery for American Indians and Alaska Natives, mental health and substance use disorder issues, and the prevention of work-related injury and illness. Interns gain exposure to the most current public health issues, such as efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and combat the national opioid crisis. Work assignments most often involve legal research and writing, in addition to the possibility of some litigation support. Interns are assigned a supervisor, a mentor and a writing coach and also have opportunities to attend client meetings with attorneys, listen in on calls, and attend training sessions.

 

Interested applicants should submit, in a single PDF document, a cover letter, current resume, unofficial transcript, a writing sample (limit 10 pages), and at least two references to the attention of Cynthia Shabazz-Spurr, Management Analyst, at ogc-phdintern@hhs.gov. The due date for applications is April 4, 2022. Competitive applicants tend to be rising 2nd or 3rd year law students with a demonstrated interest in administrative or health law and superior academic credentials. Please note that law school graduates will not be considered unless they are enrolled in a course of study, such as an LLM program. Applicants should email Ms. Shabazz-Spurr at ogc-phdintern@hhs.gov with any questions.

 

Eligibility: Law school students and recent law school graduates.

 

 

U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program is an unpaid internship with the opportunity to work in U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C., and at Department offices around the United States. This program is designed to provide substantive learning experiences in a foreign affairs environment.

 

While the duties of U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program participants vary from bureau to bureau, office to office, and embassy to embassy, it is not uncommon for these students to:

  • Participate in meetings with senior-level U.S. Government or foreign government officials
  • Draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points, or other materials used by policymakers in furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives
  • Support events, including international and/or multilateral meetings and conferences or
  • Engage directly with U.S. audiences in helping to explain the work of the Department of State or foreign audiences in helping to promote U.S. foreign policy and improve understanding of U.S. culture and society

 

Apply on USAjobs.gov

 

Eligibility: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Successfully complete a background investigation
  • Be able to receive either a Secret or Top Secret clearance
  • You may be subject to random drug testing.
  • Be an Undergraduate (juniors and seniors) or Graduate Student
  • A student is an individual who is enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university.
  • Students must be returning to school immediately following the internship in order to qualify for the program. In addition, students must attach an official or unofficial transcript to their application confirming they are current students.

 

U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Competition

The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition enforces the nation’s antitrust laws. The antitrust laws promote vigorous competition and protect consumers from anticompetitive mergers and business practices, such as monopolistic conduct, attempts to monopolize, and conspiracies in restraint of trade. The Bureau investigates potential antitrust law violations and seeks legal remedies in federal court or before the FTC’s administrative law judge. In addition to its enforcement work, the FTC provides guidance about the application of the antitrust laws to various stakeholders, including Congress, policy makers, other federal and state government agencies, foreign governments, industry participants, and the public. 

 

The Bureau of Competition offers fall and spring semester legal internships to second- and third-year law students at its Washington, D.C. offices. Semester legal interns work closely with attorneys, economists, and other investigative staff on actual law enforcement investigations, and federal and administrative court litigations. Typical assignments include conducting legal and factual research, interviewing witnesses, writing legal memoranda, and preparing documents and exhibits.

 

Seven divisions participate in the semester legal intern program: Mergers I, Mergers II, Mergers III, Mergers IV, Anticompetitive Practices, Health Care, and the Technology Enforcement Division. The Mergers I Division, Anticompetitive Practices Division, Health Care Division, and the Technology Enforcement Division are accepting applications for both part-time (at least 12 hours per week) and full-time interns. The Mergers II and Mergers IV Divisions are also accepting applications for both part-time (at least 20 hours per week) and full-time interns, but Mergers IV strongly prefers full-time candidates. The Mergers III Division is accepting applications for full-time interns only.

The application period for for Fall 2022, the application period is January 24 – March 31, 2022. Interviews are scheduled and offers are extended on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline. Students should apply directly to each division in which they have an interest. The following application materials are required: cover letter, resume, law school transcript, seven-page writing sample (seven-page maximum; excerpts of a longer sample permitted), and three academic or professional references. All semester interns must be U.S Citizens and receive course credit for completing their internship. Interested students should contact their law schools for additional information and requirements. Division descriptions and contact information are below.

 

Mergers I

The Mergers I Division investigates potentially anticompetitive conduct in the context of mergers and acquisitions. The Division reviews transactions in healthcare-related industries, including branded and generic pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, medical devices, and consumer health products, as well as matters involving scientific, industrial, and consumer products. The Division has also been active in technology markets, such as those involving mobile advertising and audience measurement services. Accepting applications for both part-time (at least 12 hours per week) and full-time interns.

Mergers II

The Mergers II Division investigates potentially anticompetitive conduct in the context of mergers and acquisitions. The Division reviews transactions in a wide range of industries, from semiconductors and other high-tech hardware to industrial chemicals, mining, commercial software, music, and video games. The Division has successfully litigated a number of merger enforcement actions in federal and administrative court, including, most recently, Tronox/Cristal and Wilhelmsen/Drew Marine Group.

Mergers III

The Mergers III Division investigates potentially anticompetitive conduct in the context of mergers and acquisitions. The Division reviews transactions in the oil, gasoline, and natural gas industries, including pipelines and terminals. In recent years, Mergers III has also reviewed mergers in other industries, including industrial spray equipment, real estate and property-related products and services, digital databases and information services, and industrial manufacturing and distribution. Mergers III also helps prepare the FTC’s annual report on concentration in the ethanol industry and enforces the Commission’s rule preventing market manipulation in wholesale petroleum markets.

Mergers IV

The Mergers IV Division investigates potentially anticompetitive conduct in the context of mergers and acquisitions. The Division reviews transactions involving health care providers, office supply distribution, food distribution, casino services, supermarkets, specialty retail stores, and consumer goods. The Division has successfully litigated a number of cases in federal and administrative court, including Sanford Health/Mid Dakota Clinic; Staples/Office Depot; Advocate Health Care/NorthShore University HealthSystem; Sysco/US Foods; and ProMedica Health System/St. Luke’s Hospital.

Anticompetitive Practices

The Anticompetitive Practices Division investigates potentially anticompetitive conduct in industries other than health care and pharmaceuticals. ACP’s work involves not only stopping illegal conduct but also shaping the law. ACP’s ongoing work includes issues related to monopolization, exclusion of small and innovative rivals, abuse of intellectual property rights, and covenants not to compete. ACP has become well-known for a series of cases involving anticompetitive conduct by members of standard-setting organizations.

Health Care

The Health Care Division investigates potentially anticompetitive conduct—including price-fixing, group boycotts, exclusive dealing, monopolization, and mergers—involving physicians and other health professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals and other institutional providers. A major focus of the Division is the Commission’s effort to stop anticompetitive reverse-payment agreements that unlawfully insulate branded drugs from competition from lower-cost generic drugs. The Division also provides guidance on health care competition to policy makers, federal and foreign agencies, industry, and the public.

Technology Enforcement Division

The primary focus of the Technology Enforcement Division is to identify and investigate anticompetitive conduct (including consummated mergers) in markets in which digital technology is an important dimension of competition, such as online platforms, digital advertising, social networking, software, operating systems, and streaming services. The TED leverages its existing expertise and works with other Commission staff, including technologists, to develop a deep understanding of the unique features of complex digital markets. The Enforcement Division was created in February 2019.

Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen