Volunteer Law Student Summer 2027

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys • Fort Mitchell, KY

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The United States Attorney’s Office offers law students an opportunity to learn about the federal legal system by working closely with Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), observing court proceedings, meeting federal judges and federal law enforcement partners, and touring federal institutions such as prisons in the district. Typical work includes legal research, reviewing evidence, and drafting pleadings and responses for use by an AUSA in federal court.

For summer 2027, the office expects to fill three positions in Lexington and one each in the Fort Mitchell and London branch offices. Lexington interns may work with criminal and civil AUSAs and select a primary practice area. Interns in London and Fort Mitchell will primarily work on general criminal matters. Interns may occasionally travel within the district to other offices or courthouses.

The internship is unpaid, begins approximately in late May, and lasts at least 10 weeks, through August. Interns are expected to work full-time and in person during the internship. Relocation expenses will not be paid, and a benefits package is not authorized.

Requirements

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be enrolled in law school pursuing a Juris Doctor degree; rising second- and third-year students may apply, and first-year students may apply starting December 1, 2026.
• Students who graduate before or during the internship are not eligible.
• Must have at least a 2.5 GPA, an outstanding academic record, superior writing skills, and good academic standing.
• Must pass a background check; security forms must be completed and favorably cleared before starting, which may take up to eight weeks.
• Must submit a current unofficial law school transcript with GPA listed.
• Must submit a cover letter indicating preferred office location and practice area in bold in the upper-left corner.
• Must submit a resume of no more than two pages.
• Must submit one legal writing sample of 20 pages or less.
• Must provide the best phone number and email address.
• Must complete the online occupational questionnaire.
• Must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must register for Selective Service if applicable.
• Academic degrees and coursework must be from an appropriately accredited institution, or foreign education must be shown to be comparable to U.S. education; documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Assistant United States Attorneys.
• Observe court proceedings throughout the district.
• Meet with federal judges and federal law enforcement partners, including the FBI, Secret Service, DEA, IRS, and ATF.
• Tour federal institutions, including federal prisons in the district.
• Conduct legal research.
• Review evidence.
• Draft pleadings and responses for use by an AUSA in federal court.
• Work primarily on criminal matters in the London and Fort Mitchell offices, or select a primary criminal or civil practice area in Lexington.
• Travel occasionally within the district to other offices or courthouses.

What This Job Offers

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