2L Internships

The Office of the Legal Adviser typically selects about 15 highly qualified second-year law students to participate in its Summer Intern Program. This provides a unique opportunity for students interested in public service and international law to become acquainted with the work of the Office as well as the Department (and to demonstrate their legal and interpersonal skills and acumen). Summer interns are normally given the same level of work as junior attorney-advisers. Interns are usually assigned to two offices in which they serve consecutively to ensure that they receive as broad an exposure as possible to the various facets of the Office’s practice within the time allowed. Interns are encouraged also to take advantage of special summer programs and activities sponsored by the Department, the Federal Bar Association, the Department of Justice, and others.

The Office of the Legal Adviser’s summer intern program is highly competitive. Outstanding academic achievement, relevant international experience and/or extracurricular activity, strong interpersonal skills, references, and demonstrated professional potential and interest in public service are important factors in the selection process. Consideration is given only to U.S. citizens. We recognize that many students endeavor to divide the summer before their third year between two employers to broaden their exposure to the practice of law and finance their education. The Office is flexible in allowing students to schedule their internship any time between May and September with a minimum of six weeks of employment.

Learn more about practicing law in the Office of the Legal Adviser