Closing Date: 15th February, 2027

Description:

About the Office:
The Fraud Section of the Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Division, represents the United States in federal district courts in civil matters brought to redress fraud against the federal government. The office is at the forefront of enforcing the civil False Claims Act, one of the government's most powerful tools to combat fraud against federal programs.

Our Attorneys:

Investigate, litigate, and frequently settle multi-million dollar cases involving false claims across the full spectrum of government programs
Handle many high-profile cases, including:
Healthcare fraud (Medicare and Medicaid)
Defense contractor fraud
Procurement fraud
Grant fraud
Customs fraud
Mortgage and financial fraud

The Fraud Section:

Recovers billions of dollars annually for American taxpayers
Works closely with U.S. Attorneys' Offices, agency Inspectors General, and whistleblowers who file suits under the False Claims Act's qui tam provisions

More information about the Civil Fraud Section's work can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/commercial/fraud/c-fraud.html and at www.justice.gov in recent False Claims Act press releases.

Job Description:
Law student volunteers will:

Conduct legal research on complex fraud issues and statutory interpretation
Draft legal memoranda related to active cases and ongoing investigations
Support investigative activities and discovery processes
Analyze evidence and assist with case theory development with experienced attorneys
Attend team meetings, strategy sessions, and court proceedings when appropriate
Contribute to the preparation of complaints, motions, and briefs

Intern Experience

Interns are integrated into one or two major case teams and may receive additional assignments as time permits
Observe firsthand how fraud litigation develops from investigation through resolution
Work directly with trial attorneys handling billion-dollar cases
Gain insight into the government's fraud enforcement priorities and strategies
Develop essential litigation skills under the guidance and mentorship of experienced litigators

Each intern is paired with a dedicated Fraud Section mentor for guidance. Interns may observe attorneys in action throughout the stages of litigation.

All work is performed in person and onsite at the Washington, D.C. office. Remote work is not permitted.

Qualifications:
Eligibility Requirements:

U.S citizenship
Must be a current first-or second-year law student (current 1L, rising 2L, or current 2L rising 3L)
Completion of at least one year of law school by the start date of the internship
Must be a current law student enrolled at least half-time in an accredited U.S. law school
Successful completion of a background investigation
Ability to commit to a minimum of 10 weeks and at least 35 hours per week
Availability to participate for the full duration of the internship, as agreed upon with the C-Frauds section

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated academic excellence (top 25% of class preferred)
Strong legal and/or policy research, analytical, and critical thinking skills
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced enforcement and litigation environment
Effective communication and teamwork skills, and a demonstrated commitment to collaborative work
Demonstrated interest or prior experience in one or more of the following areas
Healthcare law or policy
Government contracting
Complex civil litigation
White-collar investigations
Public service

Note: Current 3Ls, law school graduates, and LL.M. graduates are not eligible to apply.

All work must be performed at the Washington, DC office; telework is not permitted.

Application Process:
Submit the following materials in a single, combined PDF file titled "[Last Name, First Name] - Summer 2027 Internship Application, [Law School, Graduating Class Year]" to Civil.Fraud@usdoj.gov, with the subject line matching the file name:

Cover letter
Resume (not to exceed two pages)
Unofficial transcript
Writing sample (legal only)

Additional Information:

Per NALP guidelines, 1L students may not apply until December 1, 2026
Please do not apply unless available for the full internship period
Selected candidates will be required to complete security forms and a background check
Current 3Ls, law school graduates, and LL.M candidates are not eligible to apply

Salary:
Positions are unpaid. Interns may receive academic credit or funding through external programs such as Federal Work Study, if applicable. Interns may also receive funding from their school (e.g. externship stipends, cost-of-living grants, or school-administered fellowships). Transit subsidy available for in-person commuting.

Private Funding Prohibition: Interns may not receive private funding, stipends, or compensation from non-federal third-party sources (law firms, foundations, outside sponsors, etc.) during or for their internship tenure with the Civil Division. This prohibition does not apply to funding received from the intern's own law school.

Number of Positions

Up to 4

Travel:

Not required

Relocation Expenses

Not provided