Law Student Volunteer, Summer 2026

Closing Date: 15th February, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York (NDNY) is now accepting applications for its Summer 2026 Volunteer Law Student Intern Program in the Albany and Syracuse offices.

The United States Attorney's Office for NDNY serves 32 counties in upstate New York with offices in Albany, Binghamton, Plattsburgh, and Syracuse. Our attorneys appear before federal judges in these locations and in Utica.

Albany is the state capital of New York with a metropolitan area that is home to more than one million people. Located within a three-hour drive of New York City and Boston, the Capital Region offers rich history, extensive cultural opportunities, outstanding schools, and the nearby beauty of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George, and the Catskills.

Syracuse is located in Central New York, a mixed urban and rural region, with a population of just under 1.2 million. Syracuse and its surroundings offer abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, close proximity to the Finger Lakes region and Lake Ontario, the academic and cultural resources of numerous colleges and universities, excellent schools, and a rapidly developing high-tech manufacturing sector.

The District has three divisions: Criminal; Civil; and Appellate. The Criminal Division prosecutes federal crimes including violent crimes, drug trafficking, immigration, firearms, child exploitation, fraud, public corruption, environmental crimes, and anti-terrorism. The Civil Division represents federal agencies and employees in tort claims, constitutional torts, medical malpractice, bankruptcy, and general civil litigation. The Civil Division also files affirmative litigation under the False Claims Act. The Appellate Division handles appeals stemming from criminal prosecutions to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Approximately 55 attorneys and 51 support staff are employed by NDNY, along with subject-matter specialist contract personnel. The District hires experienced attorneys as Assistant United States Attorneys and support staff, and law student volunteers during the summer and academic terms.

Find additional information about the Northern District of New York at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny

Job Description:
Law students conduct legal research, draft memoranda, observe court proceedings, and assist in litigation and trials. Work is performed in-person in either the Albany or Syracuse office depending on placement.

Qualifications:

• Current law students enrolled at least half-time at an accredited institution, including: 1Ls (rising 2Ls in summer 2026); 2Ls (rising 3Ls in summer 2026); or graduate law (LL.M.) students enrolled at least half-time and not practicing law.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Demonstrated research, writing and analytical ability.

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Summer Hours: Full-Time. Must be able to commit to a minimum of 35 hours per week for 8 to 10 continuous weeks. “Split” summers are allowed but not encouraged.
• Placement is conditioned upon successful completion of a suitability/fitness review and receipt of a favorable determination based on information provided in your security forms, credit report, and fingerprint check. Placement cannot commence until cleared. Common issues that may arise are as follows:
• Citizenship: Students must be U.S. citizens or owe permanent allegiance to the United States (natives of American Samoa).
• Drug Use: Any type of illegal drug use will require a written explanation describing the events surrounding the drug use.
• Credit History: All outstanding credit problems must be resolved before work can begin. A history of serious credit problems may be grounds for disqualification.
• Employment History: Students must submit a written explanation if they have been fired from a previous job, quit after having been told that they would be fired, or left a job by mutual agreement because of specific problems.
• Criminal History: Students must submit a written explanation if they have been charged, convicted, imprisoned, or been on probation or parole for any offense.

Evaluation Process
Once your application package is received, it will be reviewed to confirm you meet all program qualifications. After the application period closes, all applications will be reviewed and you will be notified if selected for an interview.

Salary:
Volunteer (uncompensated). Course credit, work-study, and externship opportunities may be available depending on school requirements.

Number of Positions
Approximately two (2) to four (4) student interns per summer term in each office location.

Travel:

---