DOJ Honors & Summer Law Intern Programs

by Angela Dalfen

Every year the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) hires entry-level attorneys through their fall hiring process known as the Honors Program. This is the only way to get an entry-level position at the DOJ, which includes the Antitrust Division, Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Environment and Natural Resources Division and the Civil Rights Division. The DOJ is charged with enforcing federal laws, furnishing legal counsel in federal cases, and construing the laws under which other federal executive departments act.

Many GGU students have obtained these positions, which serve as jumping off points for a career in the public OR private sector. DOJ positions are prestigious, well-paid jobs, and typically offer new attorneys a tremendous amount of training and direct litigation experience. If you are flexible about location, you have an even better chance of obtaining one of these positions, as many of the Honors Program participants are based in Washington, DC. DOJ’s hiring committees look for a commitment to public service and the mission of the agency, in addition to a strong resume and academic record.

Also, 1L and 2L students can apply for internships with DOJ through the Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP). SLIP is the DOJ’s competitive recruitment program for PAID summer internships. Selection for employment is based on a variety of factors including academic achievement, law review or moot court experience, legal aid and clinical experience, and summer or part-time legal employment. DOJ also considers specialized academic studies (including undergraduate and post-graduate degrees), work experience, and extracurricular activities that directly relate to the work of the Department.

The (strict!) deadline to apply is 9 pm on September 2, 2008. Please click here for more information. LCS can help you with the application process.