About the role#
This internship provides an overview of the federal legal system through the United States Attorney's Office. You will work alongside Assistant United States Attorneys to gain exposure to federal practice. The role is full-time and requires in-person attendance for a minimum of 10 weeks, starting in late May 2027.
What you'll do#
- Perform legal research and review evidence.
- Draft pleadings and responses for use in federal court.
- Observe court proceedings throughout the district.
- Meet with federal judges and law enforcement partners, including the FBI, DEA, and Secret Service.
- Tour federal institutions, such as district prisons.
- Travel within the district to various offices or courthouses as needed.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in law school pursuing a Juris Doctor degree.
- Rising second- or third-year students are eligible to apply. First-year law students may apply starting December 1, 2026.
- Outstanding academic record with a minimum 2.5 GPA and good academic standing.
- Superior writing skills.
- United States citizenship.
- Ability to pass a background check, which may take up to 8 weeks.
- Registration for Selective Service, if applicable.
- Submission of a cover letter, resume (two-page limit), current unofficial law school transcript, and a legal writing sample of 20 pages or less.
Location & details#
- Locations: Fort Mitchell, Lexington, and London, Kentucky.
- This is an uncompensated, full-time internship.
- Please specify your preferred office location and practice area (Criminal or Civil) in bold at the top of your cover letter.
About U.S. Department of Justice
The U.S. Department of Justice is a government agency based in Washington, DC. It operates to uphold the rule of law, maintain safety, and protect civil rights. The organization employs over 25,000 people and functions as a large federal entity.
How to get in at U.S. Department of Justice
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