Volunteer Law Student (Clerk)

Duties

The duties of a Volunteer Student Law Clerk will vary depending on their assigned Program Unit.

Please review our Law Clerk Opportunities site for an overview of each Program Unit, respective law clerk duties, and any specific unit requirements. Note: The Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit requires students to have past mediation experience or to have taken a mediation course(s).

The general duties of a Volunteer Law Clerk may include assisting with:

• research projects and reporting on important/relevant Congressional hearings;
• screening new allegations for OSC jurisdiction and directing to the appropriate unit;
• initial review of complaints to identify legal and/or factual issues;
• drafting letters and memoranda explaining legal conclusions;
• investigating and litigating cases, developing case strategy, reviewing documentary evidence, interviewing witnesses, settlement negotiation;
• legal research on court opinions, executive orders, regulations, rules and administrative decisions;
• initial review of disclosures, review of whistleblower documents, whistleblower interviews;
• all stages of mediation, including reviewing cases for suitability for mediation, contacting the parties, and assisting OSC neutrals;
• providing training and technical assistance to Congress, the public, and other stakeholders;
• devising innovative methods to educate Federal employees and drafting educational materials for public use.
  
  

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen or national authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be able to successfully pass an appropriate background investigation.
• Individuals born after 12-31-1959 and required to register for Selective Service under the Military Selective Service Act of 50 USC App. 453, must be registered or otherwise exempt from Selective Service. See "Additional Information" section below.
• Students must have completed at least one full year with an accredited law school at the beginning of the current academic term.
  
  

Qualifications

Students must have completed at least one full year with an accredited law school at the beginning of the current academic term.

Additional Information

This is an open and continuous announcement that is intended to continually solicit applications during the standard academic year. Applicants should timely submit their complete application package by the deadlines listed below to be considered for their desired semester.

• Fall 2024: Receiving applications June 4 - July 21
• Spring 2025: Receiving applications September 2 - November 1
• Summer 2025: Receiving applications December 2 - February 17
  
  

This position may be filled in the commuting area of Washington DC or remotely, as determined by the agency.

SELECTIVE SERVICE: Individuals born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service . You can find more information on Who Must Register and Exemptions here . In addition, you can find more information on what to do if you failed to register here .