Closing Date: 2nd January, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
The mission of the Office of Legal Policy (OLP) is to develop and implement the Department's significant policy initiatives, handle special projects that implicate the interests of multiple Department components, coordinate with other Department components and Executive Branch agencies, and serve as the primary policy advisor to the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General. OLP also reviews and coordinates regulations promulgated by the Department and its components, and reviews draft regulations of other agencies that are circulated for review. In addition, OLP vets candidates for federal judgeships and coordinates the judicial nomination and confirmation process with the White House and the Senate.

Job Description:
This is a substantive, hands-on, semester-long internship. OLP law student interns will conduct legal and factual research and analysis, prepare memoranda and talking points, and assemble briefing books and other materials relating to legal and policy issues for the Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Assistant Attorneys General, and other members of the office. OLP interns attend and participate in Department meetings and calls, as appropriate, and will meet and learn from attorneys throughout the Department. By the end of the internship, law students should have a better awareness of their legal interests, whether to pursue a career in government service, and how the Department and other government agencies operate.

Internship Location: Washington, DC; on-site.

Qualifications:
This internship is open to all law students. Excellent research and writing skills, including Lexis+ and Westlaw proficiency, are required. The successful applicant will collaborate effectively with OLP and other Department colleagues, exercise sound judgment, and have a positive attitude. Demonstrated commitment to the Department's mission and prior work experience with legal policy, legislation, regulatory matters, or judicial nominations preferred but not required.

Application Process:
Please submit a cover letter (specifying the dates of your availability), resume (not to exceed two pages), references, and your most recent law school transcript (can be unofficial) in a consolidated PDF file (the file name to be saved as: YourLastName_YourFirstName_Summer2026InternApplication) to the following e-mail address: (OLPinbox@usdoj.gov).

In addition, applicants are invited to submit a response to one of the following four free-response essay questions:

How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

Responses should not exceed 200 words. If an applicant decides to submit a response to one of the four prompts, the applicant must certify that he or she used their own words and did not use a consultant or AI application (such as large language models GPT-4, Claude, LlaMa3, etc.). The recommended certification is: “I, [First Name Last Name], certify that my response is in my own words and that I did not use a consultant or AI application to help generate a response.” The certification does not count against the 200-word limit.

January 2, 2026. Please note that OLP will review applications and extend offers on a rolling basis. Therefore, the hiring process may conclude prior to the January 2, 2026 deadline.