Volunteer Law Intern
Department: Department of Justice
Location(s): Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hammond, Indiana, South Bend, Indiana
Salary Range: $0 - $0 Without Compensation
Job Summary: Turn your legal writing and research skills into real federal impact as a Volunteer Law Intern with The United States Attorney's Office! We are currently soliciting applications to support the Civil and/or Criminal Division for the 2026 Fall Semester. For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit www.justice.gov/usao/. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
Major Duties:
- Overview of the United States Attorney's Office - Northern District of Indiana - With a talented workforce of over 100,000 people, the mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights. The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Indiana is one of 94 USAOs in the nation.The United States Attorney's Office Law Internship Program provides an exciting opportunity and insight into the federal legal system and receive an introduction to federal procedures in both the civil and criminal settings. Interns will work with several different Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) over the course of the semester. Typical duties of the interns may include: Performing legal research and/or assisting with research projects; Drafting legal documents including motions, pleadings, or briefs; Assist in trial preparations; Observe court proceedings; and In limited instances, may be allowed to represent the government in routine hearings under the supervision of an AUSA before various federal courts. The primary goal of the program is to introduce interns to the federal legal system, to develop their legal skills and above all, to enjoy their overall internship experience. Applicants will be asked to indicate which division(s) they wish to be considered for when submitting their online application. Applicants will be notified when their applications have been reviewed/referred for further consideration. Applicants will be required to work on-site at the branch location selected a minimum of 10 hours per week. This is not a remote opportunity.
Qualifications: Students must have completed at least one full semester with an accredited law school at the beginning of the current academic term. Preference will be given to second and third-year law students.
How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/01/2026 to receive consideration. 1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing of this announcement.
Application Deadline: 2026-06-01