Summer 2026 Volunteer Legal Internship

Closing Date: 13th February, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
The mission of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan is to uphold the rule of law, to keep the District safe, and to protect civil rights. The Criminal Division is responsible for prosecuting a wide range of federal crimes, including those governing firearms, drug trafficking, terrorism, public corruption, fraud, and more. Through its Civil Division, the Office is charged with enforcing federal civil rights and environmental laws, defending agencies of the United States, and recovering funds from violators of U.S. criminal, regulatory, and civil laws.

Job Description:
Interns will prepare legal memoranda and briefs under the guidance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys in conjunction with pending cases. Interns will receive criminal and civil assignments depending upon interest and office needs. Interns will typically have the opportunity to appear in court under the supervision of an Assistant U.S. Attorney. The USAO will also host informative lunch sessions which will include presentations from AUSAs, the defense bar, the judiciary, and federal agents, as available. The program's goal is to introduce interns to the federal legal system, to develop their legal skills, and to provide a rewarding and enjoyable experience. See former intern comments on our website for more information about the intern experience in our office. http://www.justice.gov/usao/miw/joas/lawstudent.html

Qualifications:
First-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students. Students who will graduate prior to or during the course of the internship are not eligible. Must be a U.S. citizen. A background check is required because of the sensitive nature of the work performed by the United States Attorney's Office. The background check requires substantial input from the candidate and results are returned after approximately four weeks.

Application Process:
Cover letter, resume, law school transcript, legal writing sample, dates of availability, email address, and telephone number(s) where the student can be reached. Veterans should send a DD-214. Please email all documents combined into one .pdf file USAMIW.personnel@usdoj.gov.

Salary:
Volunteer (uncompensated) or for course credit.

Number of Positions
3-4

Travel:

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