About the Office:
The Office of Immigration Litigation – Appellate Section (OIL-Appellate) litigates immigration cases on behalf of the United States Government in the federal circuit courts of appeals. These cases involve challenging issues relating to whether an individual is removable from the United States, and they often contain questions of constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and criminal law. OIL-Appellate attorneys write briefs, appear for oral argument, and coordinate with other branches of the federal government to ensure a uniform application of the immigration laws. OIL-Appellate employs approximately 230 attorneys and 60 support staff.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
Job Description:
Internships at OIL-Appellate are highly sought after because of the responsibility and experience they offer. Under the guidance of attorney-mentors, interns research and write briefs for submission to the federal circuit courts of appeals. They also practice their oral argument skills by mooting one of their cases before a panel of experienced attorneys. In addition, interns are provided the opportunity to attend various trainings, tours, and networking events. Finally, they regularly attend “first cuts” meetings, where OIL-Appellate’s leaders formulate recommendations about whether to seek further review in cases decided adversely to the government.
The fall 2023 internship program
The fall 2023 internship program will begin on Monday, August 28, 2023. We anticipate operating the internship in-person, but may also offer remote internships for those interested, but this is subject to leadership approval.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have completed one year of law school by the start date of the internship, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be a U.S. citizen, and be able to pass a background check. Applicants who demonstrate strong legal research and writing skills and/or an interest in immigration law are preferred. Applicants must commit to working for at least 10 weeks and for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Salary:
Uncompensated student volunteer. If requested, OIL-Appellate will try to accommodate any requirements for students to receive academic/externship credits for the internship.
Travel: None
Application Process:
Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and 5-10 page writing sample to [email protected]. The application materials must be consolidated into a single PDF document. Please use the following subject line: OIL-Appellate Fall 2023 Internship Application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be submitted no later than 11:59pm ET Friday, April 28, 2023. Applications that do not adhere to these requirements will not be considered.
Application Deadline:
Friday, April 28, 2023
Relocation Expenses: None
Number of Positions: 3-7
For more Information: Please visit – UNPAID LAW STUDENT VOLUNTEER (FALL 2023)| OFFICE OF IMMIGRATION LITIGATION