Launch Your Legal Career: Volunteer Law Internship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office

For aspiring attorneys, there is no better training ground than the federal justice system. The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Indiana is currently accepting applications for its Volunteer Law Internship Program. This program offers law students a unique front-row seat to the enforcement of federal laws, providing an immersive experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Job Responsibilities

Interns at the USAO engage in meaningful legal work. Rather than strictly observing, you will actively contribute to the office's mission. Typical responsibilities include:

Legal Research: Analyzing complex statutes and case law to support active investigations.
Drafting Documents: Assisting with the creation of motions, pleadings, and briefs.
Trial Prep: Helping Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) organize discovery and prepare exhibits for trial.
Court Observation: Sitting in on federal hearings and trials to understand courtroom dynamics.
Routine Hearings: In select instances, interns may represent the government in minor hearings under close AUSA supervision.

Requirements

To be considered for this internship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Academic Status: Completion of at least one full semester of law school.
Commitment: Ability to work on-site at a branch office for at least 10 hours weekly.
Security: Must be a U.S. citizen and successfully complete a federal background check.
Residency: Must have lived in the U.S. for three of the last five years.

Comparison of Internship Tracks

Feature	Civil Division	Criminal Division
Focus	Debt collection, fraud, civil rights	Federal crimes, drug enforcement
Primary Tasks	Motion practice, discovery	Grand jury prep, trial support
Key Skill Developed	Analytical Writing	Litigation Strategy

Salary Overview

This is a volunteer internship position. While there is no monetary compensation, the value of the professional mentorship, resume prestige, and practical courtroom experience provided by the DOJ is significant for any early-career attorney.

Benefits

Mentorship: Work directly with experienced Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
Insight: Unrivaled exposure to federal agency procedures.
Networking: Build connections with federal agents, judges, and clerks.
Professional Development: Gain skills that are highly attractive to future private and public sector employers.

Application Tips

Resume Formatting: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The HR team is strict—exceeding this limit will disqualify your application.
Transcripts: Ensure you have both your current law school transcripts and your undergraduate transcripts (if a 1L student) ready.
The 'Why': Use your cover letter to explicitly state why you want to support the Department of Justice.

An internship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office is a defining moment for any legal student. If you are ready to apply your academic knowledge to real-world legal challenges, we encourage you to prepare your application materials and submit them before the deadline.

Why This Volunteer Law Intern Job Matters

Launch your legal career in the heart of the federal justice system—gain hands-on experience as a Volunteer Law Intern with the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Volunteer Law Intern Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Indiana is seeking motivated law students for an immersive, on-site internship program. This volunteer position offers an unparalleled opportunity to work alongside Assistant U.S. Attorneys on complex civil and criminal litigation. Interns will sharpen their legal research, writing, and analytical skills while observing court proceedings and contributing to the vital mission of the Department of Justice.

Requirements for Volunteer Law Intern

Must be a current student at an accredited law school.
Must have completed at least one full semester of law school prior to the start of the internship term.
Must be able to work on-site at the selected branch location for a minimum of 10 hours per week.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must pass a background investigation, including drug testing and credit checks.
Must meet strict residency requirements (having resided in the U.S. for three of the past five years).
Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Volunteer Law Intern

Second or third-year law students are strongly preferred.
Demonstrated interest in federal civil or criminal litigation.
Strong legal research and writing proficiency.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a high-pressure legal environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Direct mentorship from Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
✓In-depth insight into federal court procedures and operations.
✓Valuable networking opportunities within the Department of Justice.
✓Practical experience drafting motions, briefs, and legal documentation.
✓Exposure to high-stakes federal litigation.

💡 How to Apply Volunteer Law Intern Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Volunteer Law Intern Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload a two-page resume and your unofficial law school transcripts.
Submit all required documentation via the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
Confirm the submission status via the USAJOBS 'Track My Application' feature.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; excess length results in automatic disqualification.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure all required forms (such as SF-15) and military records are attached.
Double-check your eligibility regarding the residency requirement before applying.
Apply early to allow time for the system to scan your documents.
Clearly indicate your interest in the Civil, Criminal, or both divisions during the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this internship paid?

No, this is a volunteer, uncompensated internship.

Can I work remotely?

No, this is an on-site position. Interns are required to work at their assigned branch location for at least 10 hours per week.

Who is eligible to apply?

The program is open to law students who have completed at least one full semester of law school at an accredited institution.

How do I know if my law school is accredited?

*A: You can verify the status of your school via the U.S. Department of Education website.*

What happens if I can't work on-site?

*A: This position is not remote. You must be able to commute to your assigned location in Fort Wayne, Hammond, or South Bend.*

Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the backbone of federal legal policy in the United States. Within the DOJ, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices are responsible for prosecuting federal crimes, representing the U.S. in civil litigation, and collecting debts owed to the government. Interning at the Northern District of Indiana provides you with the opportunity to contribute to a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals nationwide working to uphold the rule of law.