Volunteer Legal Intern

Closing Date: 1st July, 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 Litigation Branch is one of seven branches located in OGC's Central Office.

The Litigation Branch defends the Bureau and its staff in litigation filed in the District of Columbia and litigation with a national impact on Bureau programs and policy. The litigation covers a wide variety of issues, such as constitutional challenges, medical malpractice, and injunctive relief. Nationwide, the branch reviews and obtains settlement authority for cases and claims above a certain dollar amount. The branch also reviews decisions adverse to the Bureau from across the country and provides BOP's position on appeal to DOJ Civil Appellate and the Office of the Solicitor General. Additionally, the branch is responsible for investigating and responding to inmate appeals in the administrative remedy process, national policy development, addressing administrative tort and remedies-related questions, and recovering funds owed to the agency pursuant to the Federal Claims Collection Act and the Medical Care Recovery Act.

Job Description:
The Litigation Branch is accepting applications for part-time volunteer law students for Fall 2026. Applicants must be able to work in person at our Washington, D.C. office; there are no telework options available. Responsibilities include:

• Drafting responses to administrative remedies
• Researching and writing legal memoranda, litigation reports and motions,
• Reviewing cases and claims for settlement
• Reviewing adverse court decisions and researching and writing appeal recommendations
• Attending moot courts and oral arguments

Weeks Required: the length of the internship will be set by LIT in consultation with the applicant, with the typical expectation that interns will work fifteen to twenty hours a week during the course of the fall semester. Preference may be given to applicants who are also available to work during the spring 2027 semester.

Internship Location: Washington, DC; on-site (at BOP Central Office).

Qualifications:
This internship is open to current law school students. Excellent legal research and writing skills are required. The successful applicant will collaborate effectively with LIT 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:
This vacancy announcement will remain open until filled.

Please submit a cover letter (specifying 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) in a consolidated PDF file (the file name to be saved as: YourLastName_YourFirstName_FallSemester2026InternApplication) to the following e-mail address: MKerrigan@bop.gov.

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.
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