Volunteer Legal Intern

Closing Date: 15th June, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provides comprehensive legal and policy advice to BOP officials, defends the agency and its employees in litigation, and ensures adherence to the just and faithful execution of applicable laws, regulations, and directives. BOP attorneys are employed in the Central Office in Washington, DC, six Regional Offices, and 24 Consolidated Legal Centers. The Commercial Law Branch (CLB) is one of seven branches located in OGC's Central Office.

CLB represents the Federal Bureau of Prisons in all litigation involving acquisitions by, and financial operations of, the Federal Bureau of Prisons to include the award of contracts and contract disputes seeking money damages. CLB also represents the BOP in other acquisition related litigation, including civil fraud claims, bankruptcies, and intellectual property matters. CLB advises the Bureau on all stages of the procurement process, fiscal and appropriations law, agreements, and other commercial law matters.

Job Description:
The Commercial Law Branch is accepting applications for part-time volunteer students for Summer and Fall 2026. Responsibilities include assisting in all areas of the office's responsibilities including researching and writing legal memoranda on questions related to federal procurement and appropriations law, developing strategies for and written responses to bid protests filed with the agency or at the Government Accountability Office, and supporting litigation at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. District Courts, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Applicants must have completed one year of law school at the start of the internship. Applicants must be able to work in person at our Washington, D.C. office; there are no telework options available.

The ideal candidate will commit to working a schedule of 40 hours per week for at least 8 weeks during the Summer 2026 term or a minimum of 15-20 hours per week during the Fall 2026 term. It is preferred that the intern is available for both Summer and Fall terms, but not required.

Qualifications:
This internship is open to law students enrolled at least half-time in an accredited law school program who will have completed one year of law school at the start of the internship. Excellent legal research and writing skills are required. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated interest in government contracting law, collaborate effectively with CLB and other OGC colleagues, exercise sound judgment, and have a positive attitude. Prior experience with legal, legislative, or regulatory matters preferred but not required.

Application Process:
Please submit a cover letter that includes the dates of your availability, resume (not to exceed two pages), writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages), and your most recent law school transcript (can be unofficial) to William Robinson, Associate General Counsel, wdrobinson@bop.gov. Please include in the subject line "CLB Law Student Volunteer."

Applications must be submitted by the following deadlines:

• Summer Semester: March 15, 2026
• Fall Semester: June 15, 2026

Additional information about the Federal Bureau of Prisons can be found at: www.bop.gov

Salary:
This position is unpaid. Applicants may be able to access law school, public interest, or other acceptable funding sources. Relocation reimbursement is not available for this position. If your school offers interns academic credit or work study, we will work with you to meet school requirements whenever possible.
One
None.
Not authorized.

---