Closing Date: 15th February, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
The Civil Division's FOIA and Privacy Office, part of the Office of Management Programs (OMP), processes requests for Civil Division records pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA), including those that become the subject of litigation. The Office's work regularly involves:

Conducting searches for records and applying FOIA exemptions, especially those related to privacy, civil discovery privileges, and law enforcement information
Engaging in negotiations and, if necessary, briefing unresolved issues during FOIA litigation
Collaborating with OMP units such as Records, E-Discovery, and Information Technology
Providing policy guidance and advice to Civil Division leadership and attorneys on FOIA and privacy matters, supporting transparency and compliance

As part of OMP, the FOIA and Privacy Office helps ensure that Civil Division attorneys operate in a modern and efficient environment, supplying management and organizational advice and developing policies in response to statutory, regulatory, and administrative requirements. The Office also partners with other OMP units to address records and information management challenges and to support the Civil Division's overall mission.

Job Description:
Law student volunteers gain practical experience supporting the FOIA and Privacy Office's mission within OMP. Responsibilities may vary but generally include:

Conducting legal research and analysis on complex FOIA and Privacy Act issues
Drafting legal memoranda, correspondence, and sections of legal briefs
Assisting with review and application of FOIA exemptions (including those related to privacy, civil discovery privileges, and law enforcement information)
Supporting negotiations and case strategies in FOIA litigation matters
Participating in special projects related to records management, e-discovery, and privacy compliance
Collaborating with attorneys and staff on case management and document review
Attending trainings, team meetings, and, when possible, court proceedings or briefings

Interns serve as integral team members and gain exposure to the full spectrum of FOIA and Privacy Act practice, including administrative processing, litigation support, and policy development. The position is in-person only at the Washington, DC office; telework is not permitted.

Qualifications:

U.S. citizenship or national status
Must be a current first or second year law student (current 1L, rising 2L, or current 2L rising 3L)
Completion of at least one semester of law school by the start of the internship

Current 1Ls must have completed their first year before internship begins

Must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited law school program and enrollment status maintained throughout the duration of the internship
Successful completion of a background investigation
Ability to commit to full‑time work (generally 40 hours per week) for at least 8–10 consecutive weeks during the Summer 2026 term (minimum 8 weeks)

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated academic excellence
Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
Interest or background in administrative law, privacy law, litigation, government transparency, or records and information management
Professionalism, reliability, and a strong commitment to public service
Note: Law school graduates and LL.M. candidates are not eligible.

Salary:
Positions are unpaid. Interns may receive academic credit or funding through external programs such as Federal Work Study, if applicable. Transit subsidy available for in-person commuting.

Number of Positions
1-2

Travel:

Not required

Relocation Expenses
Not provided