The Counterterrorism Section (CTS) is responsible for the design, implementation, and support of law enforcement efforts, legislative initiatives, policies and strategies relating to combating international and domestic terrorism. The Section seeks to assist, through investigation and prosecution, in preventing and disrupting acts of terrorism anywhere in the world that impact on significant United States interests and persons. The Section's responsibilities include:

• investigating and prosecuting domestic and international terrorism cases;
• investigating and prosecuting terrorist financing matters, including material support cases;
• participating in the systematic collection and analysis of data and information relating to the investigation and prosecution of terrorism cases;
• coordinating with U.S. government agencies (including the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, and the Treasury; the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. intelligence community) to facilitate prevention of terrorist activity through daily detection and analysis and to provide information and support to the field;
• investigating and prosecuting matters involving torture, genocide and war crimes that are linked to terrorist groups and individuals;
• formulating legislative initiatives and DOJ policies and guidelines relating to terrorism;
• conducting training conferences, seminars and lectures on terrorism-related topics including substantive law, policy, procedure and guidelines for foreign and domestic law enforcement personnel, intelligence officials, the private sector and the general public;
• assisting the Anti-Terrorism Task Force Coordinators in the U.S. Attorney's Offices through the Regional Coordinator system by facilitating information sharing between and among prosecutors nationwide on terrorism matters, cases and threat information;
• participating in the foreign terrorist organization designation process with the Departments of State and Treasury and other Department of Justice components;
• staffing the FBI's Strategic Information Operation Center (SIOC) during crisis incidents;
• sharing information and trouble-shooting issues with international prosecutors, agents and investigating magistrates to assist in addressing international threat information and litigation initiatives; and
• providing legal advice to federal prosecutors concerning numerous federal statutes.

The Counterterrorism Section (CTS) seeks exceptionally qualified candidates for volunteer internship opportunities. Academic year internship positions are either part time (16 hours/week minimum) or full time (32 hours/week minimum). We do not offer remote externships.

The mission of CTS is to prevent and disrupt acts of terrorism in the United States and around the world. We investigate and prosecute domestic and international terrorism cases, support the counterterrorism efforts of other federal departments and agencies, and work with foreign governments to assist in their criminal investigations and prosecutions of terrorists. CTS intern responsibilities include: conducting legal research and analysis, assisting with the drafting of motions and other pleadings, and assisting with presentations and supporting materials.

Open to all law students, joint degree or LL.M. students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. law school at the time of application and throughout their internship. Strong analytic, research and writing skills are required. Prior interest or experience in national security or criminal litigation is highly preferred. Courses such as Criminal Procedure, Evidence and Trial Practice are also helpful. Interns cannot participate in another internship while interning with CTS.

If interested in applying, please send a cover letter indicating the period in which you are interested, a resume, a legal writing sample (not to exceed ten pages), an unofficial law school transcript (if available), and the contact information for three references, via email, to cts-internship@usdoj.gov.

Deadline:

Spring 2026: All Students – August 31, 2025

Summer 2026: For Current 2L Students – November 1, 2025

For Current 1L Students – December 15, 2025 (Please note that we will not consider applications submitted before December 1, 2025).

Fall 2026: All Students – April 30, 2026

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.