Law Student Volunteer, Summer 2026

Closing Date: 20th February, 2026

Description:

Job Description:
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa has opportunities for Law Student Volunteers in our Cedar Rapids and Sioux City offices for the Summer 2026. These in-person positions are for students who are interested in the federal legal system and in developing practical skills.

Law Student Volunteers become familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, the local rules of practice for the United States District Court, and the local and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. In addition, they may attend depositions and meetings with investigative agents and often accompany Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys to observe court proceedings in cases on which they have worked or in cases of general interest in the office.

Law Student Volunteer duties include, for example, legal research; drafting memoranda and pleadings; trial preparation; and drafting motions and responses, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs. Law students who qualify to practice under the court's student-practice rules may have the opportunity to present or argue at hearings.

The duration of the volunteer service and hours of duty are determined by the student in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney's Office

Qualifications:

• Law students only: You must be a second- or third-year law student (or the equivalent, if a part-time student) enrolled in an accredited law school pursuing a J.D. degree and taking at least a half-time academic courseload. Preferred candidates will have outstanding academic records and superior writing skills and be in good academic standing at their university.
• Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen or owe permanent allegiance to the United States. (The latter group includes natives of American Samoa, natives of the Swains Island, and certain inhabitants of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.)
• Background investigation: You must successfully complete a background investigation.
• Agreement: You must agree to the Participant Agreement after your background investigation is completed.

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