Closing Date: 5th January, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
The Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) litigates immigration cases on behalf of the United States in the federal district courts and courts of appeals. District Court litigation involves a wide range of immigration, nationality, civil‑immigration detention, and related issues, including programmatic and class action challenges to visa determinations and agency policies, as well as affirmative denaturalization actions. Appellate Court litigation addresses whether an individual is removable from the United States and often presents complex questions of constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and criminal law. OIL attorneys draft briefs and dispositive motions, appear for oral argument and trials, and coordinate with other components of the executive branch to promote the uniform application of the immigration laws.

Job Description:
Law student volunteers in the Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) will work closely with attorney‑mentors on assignments that mirror the Office's district court and appellate practice. Responsibilities may include:

Conducting legal research and drafting memoranda on immigration, nationality, detention, and related issues.
Drafting briefs and other pleadings for filing in federal courts, including dispositive motions and appellate submissions.
Assisting with case preparation and litigation strategy, including reviewing records and supporting trial and oral argument preparation.
Preparing and delivering a moot oral argument before a panel of experienced OIL attorneys.
Attending OIL trainings, Division‑wide programs, tours, and networking events, as schedules permit.
Observing “first cuts” meetings where OIL leadership considers whether to seek further review in cases decided adversely to the government.
The Summer 2026 internship program is expected to begin during the week of June 1.

Qualifications:
Eligibility Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required.
Must have completed 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 at an accredited U.S. law school.
Must have a cumulative law school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Must be able to successfully complete a background check and any required security forms.
Must be able to commit to a full‑time, in‑person schedule of 40 hours per week for at least 10 weeks during Summer 2026.
Current 3Ls and law school graduates are otherwise ineligible for this unpaid volunteer internship, except LL.M. students who are enrolled at least half‑time and are not practicing law, consistent with Department policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
Demonstrated interest in immigration law or national security.
Sound judgment, professionalism, and strong attention to detail.
Effective interpersonal and oral communication skills.

Application Process:
Submit the following materials as a single PDF file to the Intern Leadership Team at oil-gla.internprogram@usdoj.gov with the subject line:
[LAST NAME], [FIRST NAME] – OIL Summer Internship Application.

Required materials:

Cover letter
Resume (not to exceed two pages)
Law school transcript (unofficial accepted)
5–10 page legal writing sample
Undergraduate transcript (unofficial accepted) for current 1Ls; optional for current 2Ls and 3Ls

Application materials that do not adhere to these requirements (including format and file naming) will not be considered.

Additional Information:

Please do not apply if you will not be available for the full internship period.
Selected candidates will be required to complete security forms and a background check.

Salary:
Positions are unpaid. OIL will work with law schools to ensure Volunteer Legal Interns receive academic credits for their work. Transit subsidy available for in-person commuting.

Number of Positions
5-8

Travel:

Not required

Relocation Expenses
Not provided