Current Attorney Vacancies
Vacancies will be posted here as they become available.
2018 Legal Volunteer Internship Opportunities
Applications due by midnight March 18, 2018 EST
Challenging work. Lots of responsibility. Interesting people. Interesting topics? If you’re looking for any of these… consider a legal volunteer internship opportunity with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)! For a number of years OPM’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) has hosted legal volunteers with hopes of giving them valuable work experience directly related to their academic field of study.
What We Do!
OGC provides legal advice to help ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce, through programs such as government-wide hiring procedures; background investigations and security clearances; fair practices in personnel management; and pension benefits and health insurance for Federal employees and retirees. OGC also represents OPM in administrative and federal litigation. Participating in OGC’s intern program provides an exceptional legal experience and valuable exposure to OPM’s government-wide responsibilities.
OGC provides legal services related to staffing, equal employment opportunity, adverse and performance-based actions, grievance and arbitration, suitability and security, reduction in force, labor relations, collective bargaining, Administrative Law Judge program, Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act appeals, and intervention in MSPB, arbitration, and appellate level decisions related to Federal personnel law. OGC also handles issues related to Federal compensation, leave, retirement, health benefits, life insurance, ethics, debt collection, torts, procurement matters, fiscal law, Combined Federal Campaign, Senior Executive Service and Hatch Act regulations. Matters may involve administrative law, government contracts, employee benefits and tax law, and intellectual property.
What We’re Seeking
We are seeking rising 2L or 3L law students to work directly with our Attorneys as volunteer interns during the Summer of 2018.
Students must commit to at least ten weeks of full-time or part-time volunteer service during May through August. Preference will be given to students who are available 30+ hours per week. Service may continue in the Fall depending on students’ availability and office needs. This is an unpaid internship and no benefits are available. Students seeking course credit for the internship are encouraged to apply. No prior federal experience is necessary to apply. U.S. citizenship is required and interns will be required to obtain an interim security clearance in order to participate.
Volunteer Job Responsibilities
Duties may include: assisting attorneys with legal research, analyzing issues and drafting memoranda of law and legal motions, assisting with discovery requests, commenting on regulations, and if appropriate, students may accompany attorneys to trial hearings.
How To Apply
Applicants must submit the following documents via email to OGCAtty@OPM.gov with the subject line [last name, first name] 2018 Summer Legal Internship:
- cover letter noting dates/hours available and indicating area(s) of work that interest you;
- resume;
- law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable);
- contact information for two references; and
- a 2-10 page writing sample.
Note: Paper applications will not be accepted.
Application Deadline
Applications must be received via email (OGCAtty@OPM.gov) by March 18, 2018 midnight EST.
What To Expect Next
OGC staff will evaluate your application on the basis of your legal research, writing, analytical skills, and experience/interest in OPM’s work. If additional information is needed you will be contacted. Additionally, if OGC would like to schedule an interview, you will be contacted.
Current Legal and Administrative Support Vacancies
Vacancies will be posted here as they become available.