Law Student Volunteer, Summer

Closing Date: 30th January, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
As part of the Department of Justice, the United States Attorney's Office has jurisdiction and responsibility to represent the legal interests of the federal government before the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee. The office participates in the investigation and prosecution of violations of federal criminal statutes, usually in connection with a grand jury. The office also represents the United States in civil suits filed against federal agencies and employees, as well as in affirmative civil actions to enforce compliance with federal law or protect the interests of the United States. In addition, Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the office handle all appeals in their cases before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Job Description:
The Intern Litigation Program attempts to provide the student with an opportunity to: (1) experience the investigative/pretrial stage of criminal prosecutions, working with agents of the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Secret Service, and other agencies; (2) experience civil pretrial conferences, depositions, settlement negotiations, etc.; (3) observe and assist in all types of federal court proceedings, including matters before U.S. magistrate judges, district court judges, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals; and (4) research and draft a variety of litigation-related documents such as district court motions and memoranda of law, indictments, in-house memoranda, and civil discovery documents. Third-year or rising third-year students may be certified by the Tennessee Supreme Court under its student practice rule and authorized to represent the United States in district court or before a United States Magistrate Judge in various proceedings under the supervision of the responsible Assistant United States Attorney.

Internship Locations: (2) Knoxville-Criminal, (1) Knoxville – Civil, (2) Chattanooga - Criminal, (2) Greeneville - Criminal

Minimum Weeks Required: 8 weeks (10 - 12 weeks preferred)

Web Site: http://www.justice.gov/usao/tne/

Qualifications:
Applicants must be U.S. citizens actively enrolled in an accredited law school throughout the 2026 summer (rising second- and third-year law students). Prior to hiring, selected applicants must successfully complete a background review that includes drug use, police/FBI check, credit check and previous employment verification.

Salary:
This is an unpaid internship. Work-study credit as determined by the student's law school.

Number of Positions
7

Travel:

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