GAO’s Summer Associate program is the primary hiring tool for building our workforce of highly skilled attorneys, and our summer program is unique among federal internship opportunities as our Summer Associates may receive offers of full-time, permanent employment to join our entry-level Attorney Development Program after graduation. More information about the program and how to apply is available here.
OGC gives its Summer Associates significant responsibility during the 10- to 12-week program, with intellectually stimulating projects designed to give the associates a sense of our legal expertise, which is unparalleled in the federal government. Summer Associates can gain experience in such areas as cybersecurity, homeland security, immigration, energy, defense, finance, constitutional, and environmental law, as well as government contracts, among other areas; as GAO follows the federal dollar wherever it goes, so do our attorneys. During their summer at GAO, Summer Associates can also expect a wide range of other experiences and activities, such as behind-the-scenes tours of the Supreme Court and the Capitol building, to expose them to life in D.C. GAO pays Summer Associates at rates competitive with other federal agencies, in addition to providing transit benefits to cover commuting costs.
OGC prides itself on their collegial working environment. Our Attorney Development Program provides a true support system for junior attorneys, and GAO is a fantastic place to begin — and continue — a legal career. GAO has been ranked in the top 5 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government every year since 2005.
Interested candidates may apply to this position through our online application process by submitting a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and writing sample of up to 10 pages to LegalCareers@gao.gov. Only applications received by August 12, 2019, 11:59 p.m. will be considered. Applicants should reference “Summer Associate 2020” in the subject heading of the submission email. Interviews will be conducted via videoconference.