Closing Date: 9th February, 2026
Description:
About the Office:The District of North Dakota is seeking
motivated and outstanding Law Student Interns for its 2026 Internship
Program to be conducted during the Summer 2026 Semester. The start dates
of internships are negotiable; however, we ask that our interns commit
to eight to ten consecutive weeks, working a minimum of 24 hours per
week.
An internship with the U.S. Attorney's Office offers a unique and challenging experience for the highly motivated law student: an opportunity to work on some of the most significant, complex and visible cases being litigated today. Working with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and other staff, you will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty and property of citizens. The United States Attorney's Office serves as the principal litigator for its judicial district and is responsible for coordinating multiple agency investigations within the district. The United States Attorney has the responsibility and authority to prosecute violations of Federal criminal statutes, defend the government in civil actions, seek the enforcement of a variety of civil enforcement statutes, and institute proceedings for the collection of fines and penalties.
Typical assignments for law student interns involve all facets of case preparation including: researching legal issues, drafting/writing motions, responses, and various pleadings; providing trial support, interviewing witnesses; and assembling exhibits for trial. Interns are generally afforded extensive opportunities to attend trials, hearings, attorney conferences, meetings, and other legal proceedings. Students who satisfy Student Practice Rule 1.4 of the Local Rules of the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota may appear in court under the direct supervision of a supervising attorney. In addition, interns may attend depositions, meetings with agents, and accompany the attorney to observe court proceedings.
Practice Areas:
- Civil Litigation
- Criminal Law
Qualifications:
To be eligible for this internship ALL of the following requirements must be met:
- Law Student Status: Acceptance of applications for this announcement will be limited to first year (second semester), second-year, and third-year law students. Law school graduates are not eligible for law student volunteer positions. An eligible student is an individual who is enrolled in law school pursuing a Juris Doctor Degree and is taking at least half-time academic course load in an accredited university. Successful candidates must have outstanding academic records, superior writing skills, and be in good academic standing at his/her university.
- Citizenship: Student Interns must be United States citizens or owe permanent allegiance to the United States. (Currently, natives of American Samoa, Swains Island and certain inhabitants of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are the only groups that owe permanent allegiance to the United States.)
- Background Investigation: You must successfully complete a background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
- Volunteer Agreement: All interns are required to sign the Participant Agreement.
- You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Application Process:
Application packages must include:
- Resume
- Cover letter that addresses: (1) why you are interested in the District of North Dakota, (2) a preference for the Criminal or Civil Division, and (3) geographic preference (Fargo or Bismarck).
- Law school transcript
- Writing sample
- Application documents should be submitted in PDF format and combined into one document is preferable.
Please email application materials to: USAND.HR@usdoj.gov
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (CT) on 2/9/2026 to receive consideration.
Salary:
Uncompensated
Number of Positions
2 - Fargo, ND and 2 - Bismarck, NDTravel:
NoneRelocation Expenses
None