Student Trainee (Legal)

Office of the Secretary of Defense • Arlington, VA

3d

About The Position

This announcement is for the OSD Honors Legal Internship Program, targeting first and second-year law students. The program is 10 weeks long, with an expected start date of May 31, 2027. This is a Public Notice under the DoW Direct-Hire Authority for Pathways Post-Secondary Students. The Department of War (DoW) Office of General Counsel (OGC) handles a broad range of legal issues, including those related to national security, military missions, international relations, military operations, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, counternarcotics, military education, industrial security, intelligence, and counterintelligence policy. Additionally, DoW OGC advises on common legal practice areas for Federal government attorneys, such as constitutional law, procurement, fiscal law, environmental law, property law, administrative law, employment and labor law, information disclosure (FOIA and Privacy Act), government ethics, legislation, litigation support, and review of investigations. Surprising to some, DoW also deals with healthcare law (operating its own hospital system) and education law (operating K-12 schools for military dependents and higher education institutions). Interns will be assigned to specific offices within DoW OGC or DLSA, gaining experience in various legal specializations. The program offers substantial opportunities to enhance research and drafting skills by working closely with attorneys, assisting in drafting and commenting on legislation, regulations, congressional testimony, litigation materials, and legal opinions. Interns may also contribute to formulating DoW legal policy on high-profile topics. The program may include visits to significant governmental and military institutions to familiarize interns with federal law practice and DoW's work. This position is being filled in the Competitive Service under the Department of War (DoW) Direct-Hire Authority for Post-Secondary Students, meaning traditional rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply.

Requirements

• Must provide transcripts to support educational claims.
• Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Candidates must have completed their first year of law school prior to the commencement of the 2027 summer intern period to be appointed at the GS-07 level.
• Candidates must have completed their second year of law school prior to the commencement of the 2027 summer intern period to be appointed at the GS-09 level.
• Candidates must be continuing in legal studies throughout the summer and/or into the fall of 2027 to be eligible.
• Acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship is required.
• Positions require access to classified information and selectee will be subject to a background investigation.
• This is a drug testing designated position.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required for acceptance into this internship program.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government.
• Candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic.
• Candidates should be committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting and commenting on legislation, regulations, congressional testimony, litigation materials, and legal opinions.
• Assist in the process of formulating DoW legal policy on high-profile topics of current interest.
• Enhance research and drafting skills by working closely with OGC attorneys.
• Be assigned to specific offices within DoW OGC or DLSA for practical experience.
• Participate in potential visits to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Senate Armed Services Committee, military installations, Defense agencies, and DoW field activities.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern