| Hiring Organization: | U.S. Office of Special Counsel |
| Industry: | Government Administration |
| Employment Type: | Federal government Internships |
| Date Posted: | 2025-01-27 |
| Closing Date: | 2025-08-22 |
| Job Location: | USA |
Internships play a crucial role in shaping the careers of students and recent graduates by offering hands-on experience in their chosen fields. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) provides exciting job opportunities through its Law Clerk Program, which is designed to prepare law students for careers in administrative law, government oversight, and accountability. With positions available for 2025, OSC is hiring motivated individuals for a program that combines training, real-world responsibilities, and career development.
Program Overview:
OSC’s Law Clerk Program offers multiple positions tailored to students’ skill sets, past work experience, and interests. Selected candidates will work within various Program Offices, each with unique duties and responsibilities. Here are the available positions:
1. Immediate Office of the Special Counsel (IOSC)
- Responsibilities: Assist with research projects, draft memos, and report on Congressional hearings. Gain exposure to all of OSC’s programmatic functions.
- Requirements: Strong research and writing skills.
2. Case Review Division (CRD)
- Responsibilities: Screen new allegations, ensure complaints are directed to appropriate program units, and assist with records management.
- Requirements: Attention to detail and familiarity with privacy and disclosure laws.
3. Investigation and Prosecution Division (IPD)
- Responsibilities: Review complaints, draft legal conclusions, assist with investigations, and conduct legal research.
- Requirements: Strong analytical and investigative skills.
4. Disclosure Unit (DU)
- Responsibilities: Analyze whistleblower disclosures, conduct interviews, and draft legal memoranda.
- Requirements: Ability to handle sensitive information and conduct in-depth research.
5. Retaliation and Disclosure Unit (RDU)
- Responsibilities: Investigate whistleblower disclosures and related retaliation claims, draft case recommendations, and assist with litigation.
- Requirements: Strong legal reasoning and communication skills.
6. Hatch Act Unit (HAU)
- Responsibilities: Investigate unlawful political activity, draft legal memoranda, and provide advisory opinions.
- Requirements: Knowledge of election law or willingness to learn.
7. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Unit
- Responsibilities: Assist in mediations, contact parties, draft correspondence, and support settlement negotiations.
- Requirements: Mediation coursework or equivalent experience.
8. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Unit
- Responsibilities: Analyze evidence, assist with litigation, conduct legal research, and participate in settlement negotiations.
- Requirements: Knowledge of employment law or veteran affairs is a plus.
9. Outreach, Training & Compliance Unit (OTC)
- Responsibilities: Support nationwide training programs, respond to agency inquiries, and draft educational materials.
- Requirements: Strong presentation and communication skills.
10. Office of General Counsel (OGC)
- Responsibilities: Provide legal advice, handle FOIA requests, and defend OSC in federal litigation.
- Requirements: Solid understanding of legal principles and procedures.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Must be a full-time or part-time law student who has completed at least two full semesters of legal study.
- Time Commitment:
- Fall/Spring: Minimum of 16 hours per week for 12 weeks.
- Summer: Minimum of 35 hours per week for 10 weeks.
- Skills: Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
Salary and Benefits
- Some positions are volunteer internships but may qualify for course credit or a law school’s work-study program.
- Selected students gain invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to federal law and government processes.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application for the OSC Law Clerk Program:
- Prepare Your Application Materials: Include a resume, cover letter, and transcripts. Tailor your cover letter to highlight your interest in administrative law and government oversight.
- Contact Your Law School: Ensure the internship qualifies for course credit or complies with your school’s requirements if applicable.
- Submit Online: Visit the OSC website or the designated application portal to upload your materials.
- Follow Up: After submission, monitor your email for further instructions or interview invitations.
Why Choose OSC?
OSC’s Law Clerk Program offers students and recent graduates unique opportunities to build their careers in administrative law, whistleblower protection, and government accountability. Whether through hands-on training or meaningful responsibilities, law clerks leave the program with invaluable experience and skills that will set them apart in their future careers.
