U.S. Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor Legal Internship/Externship Program
The Office of the Solicitor is responsible for the legal work of the U.S. Department of the Interior (“DOI”), with nearly 200 practicing attorneys in the headquarters office and more than 300 attorneys nationwide. DOI is the Nation’s premier conservation agency. Their mission is to protect America’s treasures for future generations, provide access to natural and cultural heritage, offer recreation opportunities, honor our trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives and responsibilities to island communities, conduct scientific research, provide wise stewardship of energy and mineral resources, foster sound use of land and water resources, and conserve and protect fish and wildlife. The work is done through offices and bureaus (including the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Reclamation, Office of Surface Mining, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement) affects the lives of millions of people; from the family taking a vacation in a national park to a child studying in an Indian school.
Legal interns/externs will be called upon to conduct legal research on a variety of environmental and administrative law issues, as well as on issues involving Indian law. Students typically draft legal memoranda, briefs and motions, and assist with discovery in active federal cases. Students may participate in conference calls and strategy sessions with other agency counsel, including Justice Department lawyers and agency officials. There may be additional opportunities to attend hearings and meetings in theWashington, D.C. area.
Qualifications: To qualify, individuals must be a student in good standing at an accredited law school. Candidates desired are those possessing excellent legal research and writing skills.
How to Apply: Students may apply by submitting the following documents:
- Resumé which includes 2 professional or academic references
- Student Volunteer Application Form (required to designate which locations/organizations for which you wish to be considered).
- Cover Letter
- Copy of most recent transcripts (official or unofficial)
- Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
A consolidated PDF file of all documents submitted for consideration (with the resumé as the first page) is preferred. Please submit application packages NO LATER THAN JANUARY 1, 2012 via email. Please include in subject line of email and/or Fax: “INTERNSHIP APPLICATION – SUMMER 2012” If you have questions regarding this program, you may contact Kimberly Benton on (202) 208-6240 or Lori Jarman in (202) 208-5764, or visit the website.