Closing Date: 25th November, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
The Civil Division's Office of Records and Information (ORI) is part of the Office of Management Programs (OMP) and serves three main functions: 1) processing 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, 2) ensuring privacy compliance within the Division, and 3) overseeing records management within the Division.

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 E-Discovery and Information Technology
Providing policy guidance and advice to Civil Division leadership and attorneys on FOIA, privacy, and records matters, supporting transparency and compliance

As part of OMP, the ORI 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 ORI'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 ORI 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
Must be a current second-or third-year law student during the Spring 2027 semester
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 in an accredited U.S. law school
Successful completion of a background investigation
Ability to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week for at least 10 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

Work Schedule - Spring 2027

Expected term: January 2027 - May 2027 (specific dates coordinated with the student's academic calendar)
Interns are expected to work the full agreed-upon internship period
All work must be performed in person at the Washington, DC office; telework is not permitted

Note: Applications from 1Ls, Law school graduates and LL.M. candidates are not eligible

Application Process:
Submit the following materials in a single, combined PDF file titled "[Last Name, First Name] Spring 2027 ORI Internship Application to brian.p.flannigan@usdoj.gov. The subject line should read: "Spring 2027 Law Student Volunteer Application – ORI".

Cover letter describing your interest in an internship with the ORI

Resume (not to exceed two pages)
Writing sample (5–10 pages, demonstrating legal research and analysis)
Law school transcript (unofficial accepted)
Two references (three preferred)

Additional Information:

Please do not apply unless available for the full internship period
Selected candidates will be required to complete security forms and pass a background investigation prior to their start date

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