U.S. Department
of Justice
Externships & Internships
About
The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana offers for-credit externships every fall and spring as well as unpaid internships every summer for well qualified, highly motivated, and diverse candidates at any accredited law school. Law students have unparalleled opportunities for involvement in each of our practice areas at the Indianapolis office.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana serves as the principal federal litigator for the Southern District of Indiana and is responsible for coordinating multiple-agency investigations within the District. The United States Attorney has the responsibility and authority to prosecute violations of federal criminal statutes, defend the government in civil actions, seek the enforcement of a variety of civil enforcement statutes, and represent the United States in all federal appeals arising in the district.
Questions?
Contact
USAO Southern District of Indiana Law Clerk Committee
Eligibility:
Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited law school and be a rising 2L or 3L. Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen, have a GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale, and be in good standing with the school at the time the application is submitted.
Application Deadlines:
All applications must include a resume, cover letter, transcript, and writing sample of 10 pages or less. Visit your school’s career services office for specific application requirements and deadlines.
Minimum Weeks Required:
Summer internships are unpaid and volunteer-based. Scheduling and time commitments will be coordinated between the intern and supervisor, based on the student's availability.
Assignments:
Law clerks will work with Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the office in our criminal, civil, and appellate divisions in the Indianapolis office. They will assist AUSAs with all facets of case preparation including researching legal issues; drafting/writing motions, briefs and pleadings; assisting with case evaluations; preparing counsel for court appearances and oral arguments; and providing trial support. The office will endeavor to expose clerks to various practice areas, providing them with opportunities to produce strong samples of written work, to gain exposure to different types of law, observe court proceedings, and to develop other skills used in legal advocacy.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited law school as a 2L or 3L. Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen, have a GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale, and be in good standing with the school at the time the application is submitted.
Application Deadlines:
All applications must include a resume, cover letter, transcript, and writing sample of 10 pages or less. Visit your school’s career services office for specific application requirements and deadlines.
Minimum Weeks Required:
Students are required to spend two full days weekly for thirteen weeks at the Indianapolis office—a minimum of 200 hours are required for this externship. Those hours over 180 may be counted as pro bono based on your school's guidelines.
Assignments:
Law clerks will work with Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the office in our criminal, civil, and appellate divisions in the Indianapolis office. They will assist AUSAs with all facets of case preparation including researching legal issues; drafting/writing motions, briefs and pleadings; assisting with case evaluations; preparing counsel for court appearances and oral arguments; and providing trial support. The office will endeavor to expose clerks to various practice areas, providing them with opportunities to produce strong samples of written work, to gain exposure to different types of law, observe court proceedings, and to develop other skills used in legal advocacy.
