Public Interest

REMINDER | 2024 2L Summer Public Interest Program (SPIP) Application is OPEN

The 2024 2L Summer Public Interest Program (SPIP) Application is OPEN. Second-year students in need who work in eligible non-profit or government law positions full-time for a minimum of six weeks (roughly 200 hours) over the summer are eligible to apply for summer funding through a competitive application process. Most awards are $3,500, although there are a few larger awards. You are encouraged to apply, even if you have not settled on summer plans. You can always withdraw your application later.

SPIP is a modest award intended to help cover modest living expenses. SPIP is not comparable to the pay at firm jobs and is not free money. You must fulfill the SPIP requirements outlined in the SPIP Information Guide. It will never be to your disadvantage to apply for outside funding, and doing so is encouraged.

Because 2L funding is competitive, students are encouraged to ensure their applications are strong and demonstrate a commitment to a career in public interest. Set up an appointment via Symplicity to have your application materials reviewed by a Career Strategist before you hit submit so that you can stand out as a strong candidate.

ACCESS THE 2L APPLICATION HERE. The application closes on Wednesday, Mar. 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM.

Weekend Hot Jobs!

We’ve found a number of openings for you to apply to. Take a look and hit apply!

Firm and In-House Positions

Summer
2024 US Summer Program (Litigation) | DLA Piper (Multiple Locations)
2024 1L Summer Associate | Thompson Coburn (St. Louis)
1L Summer Associate 2024 | Squire Patton Boggs (DC)
1L Summer Associate | GreenbergTraurig (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
1L Summer Associate | GreenbergTraurig (Orlando, FL)
1L Summer Associate 2024 | Fredrikson & Byron (Des Moines, IA)
Summer Associate 1L | GreenbergTraurig (Los Angeles, CA; Hybrid)
1L Summer Associate | Shook, Hardy & Bacon (Kansas City, MO; Houston, TX; Chicago, IL)

For Law Firm Diversity Postings, please reference this spreadsheet!

Legal Interns Americas | Dyson (Chicago, IL)
Summer Intern Legal | OCC (Chicago, IL)
Legal Intern – Summer 2024 | Verano (Chicago, IL)
Legal Intern | Camping World (Chicago, IL)
Insomniac – Summer Legal Intern | Live Nation (Calabasas, CA)
Legal Intern | Meijer (Grand Rapids, MI)
Law Student Summer Associate | D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (Denver, CO)
Law Student Summer Associate | D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (NYC)
Law Clerk PAID | NYCM Insurance (Orchard Park, NY; Hybrid) | Feb. 22

Post-Grad
Entry Level Associate Attorney | Brandon Smerber Law Firm (Las Vegas, NV)
Attorney | State Farm (Riverside or Los Angeles, CA)
Ad Tech Corporate Counsel – Entry Level | TransUnion (Multiple Locations)

Public Sector

Summer
Criminal Justice Intern PAID | MacArthur Foundation (Chicago, IL) | Deadline Feb. 14
Law Clerk PAID | Prairie State Legal Services (Ottawa, IL)
2024 Legal Internships | MALDEF (Multiple Locations) | Mar. 1
2024 Legal Internship | Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (Albany, NY)

Post-Grad
3rd Year Law Student Application, 2024 Grad Class | Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (Chicago, IL)
Staff Attorney (Immigrant Justice Project) | New Hampshire Legal Assistance (Concord, NH) | Feb. 23
Litigation Attorney | Pine Tree Legal Assistance (Bango, ME)
Assistant Attorney General – Regional Services Division | Washington State Office of the Attorney General (Bellingham, WA)
Staff Attorney | Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (Albany)
Entry Level Attorneys – Criminal Practice Legal Team | Brooklyn Defenders (Brooklyn, NY)
Staff Attorney – Immigration Unit | Public Law Center (Santa Ana, CA)

Government

Summer
Volunteer Law Student Summer 2024 | Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys (Multiple FL Locations) | Feb. 5
Student Volunteer Intern | Office of International Affairs (DC) | Feb. 5 Student Volunteer (Law) | Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys (Minneapolis, MN) | Feb. 10
Legal Internship Posting #230046 | Office of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (DC) | Mar. 15
Summer Legal Intern Posting #230043 | Office of Sen. Warnock (D-GA) (DC) | Feb. 11
Summer 2024 Judiciary Law Clerk Posting #230054 | Office of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (DC) | Feb. 12
Legal Occupation Trainee PAID Rising 2L | Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Competition (DC) | Feb. 14
Student Trainee (Legal Intern) 1L | Federal Trade Commission (Chicago, IL) | Deadline Feb. 15
Student Trainee (Legal Intern) PAID Rising 2L | Federal Trade Commission (Chicago, IL) | Feb. 15 (Closes at 150 Applications)
Student Trainee (Legal, Summer Pathways Intern) PAID| Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Multiple US Locations) | Feb. 15
Summer Law Clerk – Legal Group | Federal Reserve Bank of New York (NYC) | Feb. 15
Student Trainee (Legal Intern) PAID Rising 3L | Federal Trade Commission (Chicago, IL) | Feb. 15 (Closes at 150 Applications)
Summer 2024 Law Clerks #230014 | Office of Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) (DC) | Feb. 29
Summer 2024 Law Clerk Posting# 230117 | Office of Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) (DC) | Mar. 1
Summer 2024 Internship Posting#230108 | Office of Sen. Thom Carper (DE) (DC) | Mar. 8
Legal Intern (Student Trainee) PAID | Federal Communications Commission (DC)
Law Intern (Clerk) | Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys (Hammond or South Bend, IN)
2L Internship PAID Rising 3L | Office of the District Attorney County of Riverside (Riverside, CA)
Health Policy Intern/Law Clerk Posting #230107 | Senate Committee on Finance
Law Clerk Posting #230081 | Senate Committee on Finance (DC)
Summer Law Clerks Posting #230040 | Office of Sen. John Kennedy (DC)
Summer 2024 Law Clerks Posting #229940 | Office of Sen. Chris Coons (DC)
Summer 2024 Law Clerk Posting #229987 | U.S. Senate Commerce Committee (DC)
Legal Intern (Student Trainee) PAID | Federal Communications Commission (DC)
Legal Intern PAID | Illinois Housing Authority (Chicago, IL)

Post-Grad
Appellate Court Research Attorney | Fourth District Appellate Court (Springfield, IL)
Assistant State’s Attorney – Entry Level| Office of the State’s Attorney of Maryland (Baltimore, MD)
Assistant Attorney General – New Graduate | Missouri Attorney General (Jefferson City, MO)
Assistant Attorney General – Regional Services Division | Washington State Office of the Attorney General (Wenatchee, WA) 
Assistant District Attorney – Prosecutorial District 7 | Maine Attorney General (Hancock and Washington County, ME)
Assistant Attorney General – Worker’s Comp | Illinois Attorney General (Chicago)
Analyst in Housing Policy | Library of Congress (DC) | Feb. 16
General Attorney | Department of Commerce (DC) | Mar. 22

Fellowships

Judge Gregory L. Waller Public Interest Legal Fellowship | Wichita Bar Association & Wichita Bar Foundation (Wichita, KS) | Feb. 26
EJS 2024-2025 Judge Constance Baker Motley Civil Rights Fellowship | Equal Justice Society (Oakland, CA; Hybrid) | Feb. 28
NCPL Fellowship in Nonprofit Law | National Center on Philanthropy and the Law (NYC) | Mar. 15
Residency in Nonprofit Law | MacArthur Foundation (Chicago, IL) | Mar. 15

SYMPLICITY – CHECK DAILY

The Symplicity job database is updated daily. We highly encourage you to check, if not daily, weekly for updates and apply. Over 30 jobs were posted just this week. Spring deadlines are approaching fast!

DC Summer Opportunity for Current Law Students | Deadline 2.14!

Apply for the 2024 TFAS Summer Law Fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Through a hands-on legal internship, academic coursework, professional development opportunities, guest lectures and policy site briefings, students will gain a unique and comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed as a future attorney.

In addition to the full tuition scholarship and furnished housing in Washington, D.C., selected fellows will have access to a network of like-minded individuals and top legal professionals, opening doors for future career opportunities and connections.

With only 25 spots available, this program is highly selective and competitive. The application deadline is February 14, 2024

Looking to change the world? Attend the Kentucky DPA 2024 Spring Defender Career Fest

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) invites third-year law students looking to change the world to apply to attend the 2024 Spring Defender Career Fest held on March 9, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. Apply here. Priority Deadline is February 9th.

The DPA is the Kentucky statewide public defender system, with statewide offices in rural and urban locations. DPA work includes trial, appellate, post-conviction, capital, and juvenile opportunities. The DPA is making early offers to 3L students who wish to join the fight for justice and freedom in Kentucky in 2024.

The DPA offers a unique experience to fight against injustice for clients who are truly in need in a culture where everyone matters. Because Kentucky is a statewide system, the DPA offers exceptional growth opportunities, including immediate trial experience and exposure to the most serious offenses and penalties.

Kentucky participates in the Uniform Bar Examination and allows practice as a public defender with an out-of-state license, so interested 3Ls do not have to commit to taking the Kentucky exam. For those selected to attend the Career Fest, DPA will cover the costs of travel, hotel, and meals.

 Apply now. Priority Deadline is February 9th.

NEXT WEEK | 1L Summer Public Interest Program Information Session

Join the Career Center on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 12 PM in AB Hall 309 for an in-person informationalsession for 1L students applying for the 1L Summer Public Interest Program (1L SPIP).

The 1L SPIP is part of WashULaw’s commitment to supporting our students who choose to pursue careers in the public sector. This program provides financial support to students who would otherwise be unable to work in unpaid public sector internships over the summer.  Through 1L SPIP, WashULaw offers funding of up to $3,000 (less taxes) for 1L students who work full-time in eligible positions for a minimum of six weeks (roughly 240 hours). The 1L SPIP application opens on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.

An eligible position is one in which you are:

  • Working for the public interest in a legal, policy, legislative, or advocacy setting under legal supervision, and in a position where at least one year of law school is required; and
  • Working for a non-profit organization, government office, or in a judicial externship/internship program; and
  • Working in a position where you are not receiving payment intended to compensate you for work performed during the internship, whether from your place of employment or outside funding.

All first-year students are encouraged to attend. RSVP on Symplicity.

Weekend Hot Jobs!

Firm and In-House Positions

Internships

2024 Summer Associate – Corporate | Kutak Rock (Multiple Locations)
2024 Summer Associate – Insurance Coverage Litigation | Kutak Rock (Kansas City)
2024 Summer Associate – Litigation | Kutak Rock (Springfield, MO)
2024 Summer Associate | Kutak Rock (Little Rock, AR) | Apply by Feb.
2024 Summer Associate – Labor and Employment | Nixon Peabody (Los Angeles, CA)
2L Summer Associate – Health Care | Nixon Peabody (Los Angeles, CA)
2L Summer Associate, Chicago Intellectual Property | Nixon Peabody (Chicago, IL)
2024 summer Associate – Estate Planning Law | Raymond James Financial (St. Petersburg, FL)
2024 Summer Associate – Law Clerk | Raymond James Financial (Remote)
2024 2L Summer Associate | Koley Jessen (Omaha, NE)
Summer Law Clerk PAID | OneTeam Partners (Remote)
Law Clerk | Mercury Insurance (Clearwater, FL)
Summer Law Clerk | Fragomen | Washington, D.C.

Post-Grad
2024 Entry Level Associate | Quarles & Brady (Milwaukee) 

Public Interest

Internships

Summer 2024 Internship | Arch City Defenders (St. Louis, MO) | Deadline, Jan. 31
Criminal Defense Practice Legal Intern | The Legal Aid Society (NYC) | Feb. 1
2024 Curtin Fellowship PAID | American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness and Poverty {Remote) | Mar. 29
U.S. State Policy and Advocacy 2024 Summer Legal Associate PAID | Center for Reproductive Rights (NYC or DC)
Summer Law Clerk | Leadership for Educational Equity (NYC)
Law Clerk Intern | Roderick MacArthur Foundation (St. Louis, MO)
Summer 2024 Legal Aid Internship | Cabrini Green Legal Aid (Chicago, IL)
Summer 2024 PILI Fellow | Cabrini Green Legal Aid (Chicago, IL)
Summer Law Clerk PAID | Bay Area Legal Aid (San Francisco, CA)
2024 Legal Internship Program | Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (St. Louis, MO)
Advocacy Legal Intern PAID | Columbia Legal Services (Multiple WA Locations)

Government

Internships

Student Trainee Legal | Defense Finance and Accounting Service (Indianapolis. IN) | Feb. 5
Legal Intern (Student Trainee) | Federal Communications Commission (DC) | Feb. 5
Summer National Security Law Division Internship PAID | Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DC) | Feb. 9
Analyst in Housing Policy | Library of Congress (DC) | Feb. 16
Legal Aide for Reproductive Justice PAID | New York State Attorney General (NYC) | Mar. 1
Student Trainee (Legal) PAID | Environmental Protection Agency (Seattle, WA) | Jan. 29 (Closes at 75 applications)
Legal Intern – Office of the General Counsel PAID | Office of the Comptroller – City of New York (Manhattan)
Legal Intern – Labor Law PAID | Office of the Comptroller – City of New York (Manhattan)
Hearings and Tax Litigation Legal Intern (Law Clerk) PAID | Comptroller of Public Accounts (Austin, TX)
Fiscal & Agency Affairs Legal Intern (Law Clerk) | Comptroller of Public Accounts (Austin, TX)
Volunteer Law Internship Program | Department of Commerce (DC)
Law Clerk | ACLU of Missouri (Remote)
Student Volunteer Internship – Legislative Branch| Government Accountability  Office (DC)
Legal Intern – Office of the General Counsel PAID | Office of the Comptroller – City of New York (Manhattan)
Legal Intern | Federal Communications Commission | Washington, D.C.
Summer Law Clerk | Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | Washington, D.C

Post-Grad

Attorney I – Litigation | City of St. Louis City Counselor’s Office (St. Louis, MO) | Feb. 2
Appellate Court Research Attorney | Illinois Appellate Court (Springfield, IL) | Feb. 29
Attorney | Department of the Navy (Location Determined After Selection) | May 17

Fellowships

Huber Reproductive Health Equity Legal Fellowship | National Partnership for Women & Families (DC) | Feb. 18
EJS 2024-2025 Judge Constance Baker Motley Civil Rights Fellowship | Equal Justice Society (Oakland, CA; Hybrid) | Feb. 28
US Human Rights Fellow | Center for Reproductive Rights (NYC or DC)
Environmental Law Fellow | The Sierra Club | Washington, D.C.

Symplicity – Check Daily

The Symplicity job database is updated daily. We highly encourage you to check, if not daily, weekly for updates and apply. Over 30 jobs were posted just this week. Spring deadlines are approaching fast!

EPA Hiring Webinar-February 7, 2024 | Current Students & Recent Grads

EPA is hosting a special hiring webinar on February 7 at 2:00 PM ET to support first-time applicants and those interested in learning about the federal hiring process. This event will feature EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe, EPA hiring specialists, and other special guests. 

The Be EPA Hiring Webinar is open to the public, and we encourage you to invite your current student (and recent grads) by sharing this registration link with them: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1465684/share_preview

For job seekers who have never applied for a federal job before, no problem! This event is for them and will cover all things hiring at EPA, including:

  • How to navigate USAJOBS.gov and the federal hiring process,
  • Making their application as competitive as possible,
  • Unique hiring pathways available for students and recent grads,
  • And a LIVE Q&A section where our hiring specialists will answer questions! 

From tackling the climate crisis to advancing environmental justice, what happens here changes our world. There has never been a more critical moment to join our team and be the one who protects human health and the environment. 

If you have any questions, connect with our EPA Careers Team at careers@epa.gov.

Don’t miss out: Trademark Law Internship at USPTO

The USPTO is now accepting applications for our Trademark Law Internship program. We would very much appreciate anything you can do to help us spread the word. The internship is open to first- and second-year law students.

WE’RE HIRING | APPLY NOW

Kickstart your law career at the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a Trademark Law Intern! This is the perfect opportunity for you if you’re interested in the inner workings of trademark law and the U.S. trademark registration process. This program will help you gain behind the scenes experience to help advance your personal and professional career.

This exciting paid internship is a telework opportunity during summer break that will last up to 12 weeks.

WHO CAN APPLY | First and second year law students with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (U.S. citizens or nationals) 

DURATION | This internship opportunity will begin late May or early June 2024 and end no later than August 30, 2024 

LOCATION | Telework, Headquarters (Alexandria, VA), and Regional Offices (Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; San Jose, CA). 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

  • Paid opportunities to work and explore federal careers while completing their education. 
  • Experience work at the USPTO, interact with experts, explore opportunities, and develop or enhance their personal and professional skills. 
  • Opportunity to work closely with trademark law experts and gain hands-on experience through legal and administrative activities related to trademark law. 

Ready to apply? 

If you have any questions related to work-life at USPTO, feel free to get in touch with our HR team at recruitment@uspto.gov. Also be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for additional tips and updates. 

HOW TO APPLY | APPLY NOW

We wish you luck on taking the next step in your career journey. We truly hope to be a part of it!   

For more information about the job requirements and the hiring process, please visit the USPTO Jobs Website at: www.uspto.gov/jobs

Apply Now! Summer 2024 International Public Interest Law Internships in Africa, Latin America, SE Asia, Europe| Deadline 2.18.24

Dear Students:

Over 200 WU students have interned over the past 20 years with legal aid and human rights agencies in Africa, and to a lesser degree in other countries, providing free legal services to low-income and indigent client communities, government offices, courts, and tribunals.  We are excited to continue the Global Public Interest Law Fellows program again in summer 2024. https://intranet.law.wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Global-Public-Interest-Law-and-Conflict.pdf  There will be public interest practice stipends through the Career Serves Office as well as small travel stipends through the Graduate and International Programs Office. (Students also may intern for a semester through the International Justice & Conflict Resolution semester externship course. Watch for notices from the Clinical Program Office.)

If you are interested in doing a global public interest law internship this coming summer, please send a resume and a detailed statement of interest to Professor Tokarz ASAP, no later than midnight on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. Sooner is better; acceptance will be via rolling admissions.  Your statement should outline:

  • Your interest in doing public interest law work (past, present, future);
  • Your reasons for wanting to work in Africa… Latin America, Asia… (including your course work, travel, or other experiences in your target country or region or with issues relevant to your target country or region, such as racism, HIV/AIDS, conflict resolution, poverty, land redistribution, public health, environment, women and children);
  • The agency (or type of agency) and the type of work (direct legal aid v. human rights capacity building) in which you are interested, and why (you can rank order your choices;
  • Your experience in teamwork and collaboration;
  • Anything else you think would be helpful in assessing your application, including the name of your Legal Practice instructor or another faculty member who knows you. 

Please also indicate the country, the agency (or type of agency), and the type of work (direct legal aid v. human rights capacity building) in which you are interested.  You can rank order your choices.  Selections will be made on a rolling basis and conclude by the first few weeks of the spring semester.  In the past, selected students have been eligible for $1,500 travel stipends from the International programs office, in addition to the CCD summer stipend.

FAQs:

  • How competitive are the global summer public interest fellowships?  [We usually get 25+ applicants.  We accept approximately 6-8.  [It always seems to work out right that the students who are best suited and who really want to go, end up going. ]
  • What placements are potentially available for this summer? [Over the past almost 20 years, we have established relationships with a number of international legal services providers, agencies, and courts (although typically the courts prefer interns who have international law experience).  Typically, we place the bulk of the students in Durban or Cape Town, South Africa with the Legal Aid Board (predominantly criminal defense work); Legal Resource Centre (predominantly impact litigation), and occasionally Lawyers for Human Rights (predominantly immigration cases).]
  • Is there a possibility of new placements?  [If you have a particular connection to an overseas ngo, we can discuss, but you will need substantial information about the ngo and their prior acceptance of us law interns in order to make your case.]  
  • How are individual placements decided? [In collaboration with student, faculty, and staff.]
  • What are the dates internships typically begin and end?  [Internships run for roughly 9-10 weeks, roughly from mid-May (starting a week or two after exams end, until the end of July.)  We strongly encourage country teams to coordinate on the same timetable.] 

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions. I will be out of the country most of February and March, but will respond asap. You might also reach out to Kris Sturm and Alison McDonald, 3Ls, who recently interned in South Africa. Sturm, Kris <k.r.sturm@wustl.edu> McDonald, Alison <a.e.mcdonald@wustl.edu>

Karen Tokarz
Charles Nagel Professor of Public Interest Law & Policy 
Director, Negotiation & Dispute Resolution Programs
Director, Civil Rights & Mediation Clinic