Law Student Volunteer, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) - (Fall 2026)

Law Student Volunteer, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) - (Fall 2026) Hiring Organization Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Hiring Office Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Job ID OJP-26-VLIP-002

Location:

999 North Capitol St. NE Washington, DC 20002 - United States

Application Deadline:

Friday, May 15, 2026 About the Office The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), is responsible for ensuring that recipients of federal financial assistance from DOJ are not engaged in prohibited discrimination. OCR ensures that no person, based on race, national origin, color, sex, religion, disability, or age is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, subjected to discrimination under, or denied employment in connection with any activity, program, or service receiving federal funding. The primary objective in accomplishing this mission is to secure prompt and full compliance with all civil rights laws and regulations so that needed federal financial assistance may commence or continue. OCR places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Job Description Legal interns conduct legal research and writing on issues of civil rights compliance in DOJ-funded programs and on issues of constitutional law and jurisdiction affecting the rights of incarcerated individuals. Interns also support staff attorneys with assigned cases by reviewing civil rights complaints of discrimination and assisting with investigations. Interns will have the opportunity to join OCR staff at DOJ-sponsored events that may occur. OCR's goal is to introduce legal interns to the federal legal system and civil rights matters, to assist in developing their legal skills, and to offer a rewarding internship experience. This is NOT a remote Internship. This internship will be in-person at the Washington, DC location. Qualifications Must be a U.S. citizen. Law student MUST be enrolled at least half-time and have completed at least one semester of law school from an accredited institution. Part-time law students and joint-degree candidates may also . First-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students are encouraged to . Availability to participate for full duration of the internship. Must commit to work 12 hours per week for a minimum of 10 continuous weeks. Prior to entry on duty, all interns must undergo a suitability/fitness determination based on information provided in their pre-employment paperwork. Drug Testing may be required prior to entry on duty. Preferred Qualification Outstanding analytical, research and writing skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated interest in civil rights and public interest law.