Law Student Volunteer, Central District of Illinois, Summer 2026

Hiring Organization
USAO Central District of Illinois
Hiring Office
Springfield and Urbana

Location:
318 South 6th Street
Springfield, IL 62703 - United States

Application Deadline:
Friday, January 30, 2026
About the Office

The United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois has a motivated, friendly, and talented staff who is dedicated to serving the interests of justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes federal offenses, defends the United States Government's interests, and affirmatively pursues claims on behalf of the government, representing the United States in all criminal prosecutions, as well as civil and appellate litigation. The District enjoys four seasons and is rich in history. It is comprised of 46 counties with offices in Springfield, Urbana, Peoria, and Rock Island. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ethically and thoroughly prosecuting federal criminal cases, defending the legal interests of the United States, protecting public funds, ensuring our national security; and working cooperatively with other federal, state and local law enforcement and community agencies to protect the citizens of central Illinois.

To learn more about what Illinois has to offer, please visit the following links. Additional information on central Illinois is also available at
https://www.enjoyillinois.com/, on Springfield (our state capital) at https://www.visitspringfieldillinois.com/, on Urbana at https://www.urbanaillinois.us/, Peoria at https://peoria.org/, and Rock Island (quad-cities area)at https://visitquadcities.com/plan-your-trip/our-communities/rock-island.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a professional work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the standards, dedication, and talent of the American people, we welcome applicants from all communities in the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Job Description

Typical assignments will include assisting with all facets of case preparation including: researching legal issues, drafting/writing motions and responses and various pleadings, providing trial support to Assistant United States Attorneys, interviewing witnesses, assembling exhibits for trial, and possibly appearing in court under the supervision of an Assistant United States Attorney.

Qualifications

First-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students are encouraged to apply. Superior research and writing skills, an eye for detail, a desire to work as part of a small team of professionals, and a commitment to fairness and integrity in the administration of the bankruptcy system are essential. Excellent opportunity for students with a background and interest in policy making, bankruptcy, administrative law, and legislation. Must be a U.S. Citizen. Interns must be able to commit to a full time schedule of 40 hours per week for 8 continuous weeks in the summer. Students are responsible for their own lodging and transportation.

Application Process

Two-page resume, personal statement reflecting your background and your interest in participating in this program, legal writing sample, two letters of recommendation (preferably legal), and law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable). Indicate the preferred office location, Springfield or Urbana, in the personal statement.
Recommendation letters may be included by the student with the application materials. If the recommendation letters are being sent separately, students should note that on their applications.
Application materials may be condensed into one pdf document.
All application packages must be submitted to the following email address no later than 5:00pm (CDT), Friday, January 30, 2026.

Email:
USAILC.Human.Resources@usdoj.gov

District Contact: Fabiola LaPorte, Human Resource Specialist

Telephone: (217)492-4483

Salary

This internship is not compensated. No matching contributions are available. Work-study or academic credit may be available through a student's law school. Students must make arrangements through his/her law school.