About the role#
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is seeking a full-time Criminal Law Fellow. You will work directly with the Court's four Magistrate Judges to support their criminal duty responsibilities. This is an unpaid position with an initial appointment of six months, though it may be renewed at the discretion of the Court.
What you'll do#
- Manage the criminal duty Magistrate Judge's caseload.
- Handle case management and scheduling tasks.
- Review filings and related court processes.
- Conduct legal research and analysis on criminal law issues.
- Prepare bench memoranda.
- Advise Magistrate Judges on pending criminal matters.
- Draft orders and opinions for the Magistrate Judges.
What you'll need#
- A J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
Location & details#
- Location: Washington, DC.
- Modality: On-site.
- Schedule: Full-time.
- Term: Rolling.
About United States Courts
The United States Courts system operates across the nation to safeguard constitutional rights and liberties. The organization handles civil disputes, federal criminal cases, and bankruptcy proceedings while managing probation and pretrial services. It consists of the Supreme Court, courts of appeals, district courts, and various support agencies. Staff members include judges, clerks, public defenders, and administrative specialists based in offices like the headquarters in Washington, DC.
How to get in at United States Courts
Securing an internship with the United States Courts requires a proactive approach to monitoring openings, as these roles are often posted across various district and support office portals. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first before the applicant pile grows. Early applicants are often reviewed before the volume of interest becomes unmanageable for hiring staff. You can gain a significant advantage by identifying the specific court or office where you wish to work. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters and administrative contacts behind the company's roles, allowing you to reach out directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. This direct communication often improves your response rates compared to submitting an application into a general queue.
