Volunteer Law Clerk (Spring 2027)

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida (NDFL) represents the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the Northern District of Florida, which spans 23 counties in the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend.

This position is located in Gainesville, Pensacola, and/or Tallahassee.

If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a talented workforce of over 100,000 people, the mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights. You will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty and the property of citizens.

Considered a medium-sized district, the NDFL encompasses 23 of Florida's 67 counties, and currently employs approximately 63 staff members, to include 31 Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), with the main office located in Tallahassee and two branch offices in Pensacola and Gainesville.

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html

This legal internship opportunity offers highly qualified law students an immersive experience in federal legal practice, including criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits by and against the U.S. government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers.

Legal interns can expect daily interaction with Assistant United States Attorneys in the criminal, civil, and/or appellate divisions, and substantive assignments related to pending cases. Legal interns will gain practical experience in the application of the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, the local rules of practice for the Northern District of Florida District Court, and the local and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Assignments include, but are not limited to, drafting responsive motions, dispositive motions, memorandum of law, and appellate briefs. The interns become familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, the local rules of practice for the Northern District of Florida District Court, and the local and Federal rules of Appellate Procedure. In addition, interns may attend depositions, meetings with Agents, and accompany attorneys to observe court proceedings.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this internship ALL of the following requirements must be met:

• Student Status: Acceptance of applications for this announcement will be limited to second and third-year law students. An eligible student is an individual enrolled in law school pursuing a Juris Doctor degree. Successful candidates must have outstanding academic records, superior writing skills and be in good academic standing at his/her university.
• Grade Point Average: You must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

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: Prior to entry on duty, all interns must undergo a suitability/fitness determination based on information provided in their pre-employment paperwork.

Volunteer Legal Intern/Extern Agreement: All interns are required to sign the Department-wide agreement established by OARM (will be completed later during the security process if selected).

Drug Testing: It is the policy of the Department of Justice to achieve a drug-free workplace. Employing offices have the discretion to require drug testing for volunteer legal interns.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement.

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

- Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).

- Required: Current Unofficial transcript or proof of current enrollment, e.g., recent letter from the registrar's office. (Note: If you are selected for this position, an official transcript will be required prior to your first day).

- Required: Cover letter directed to United States Attorney, John P. Heekin.

- Required: Your resume cannot exceed two pages - you will be deemed ineligible and receive no further consideration if your resume exceeds two pages - see USAJOBS for formatting requirements . Include relevant employment history as outlined below for each job:

• Official position title (if Federal, include series/grade),
• Employer name and contact information,
• Start and end dates (for full consideration you must include month, day, and year),
• Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and
• A list of duties performed and accomplishments.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on to receive consideration.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.)

3. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, http://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized.

A Benefits Package is not authorized for this position.