Law Student Volunteer, Fall 2026

The United States Trustee Program (USTP) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders-debtors, creditors, and the public. The USTP is a national program with twenty-one (21) regions consisting of field offices, and has broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authorities in bankruptcy cases, including chapter 7 and 13 consumer cases, family farmer chapter 12 cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate reorganizations. The USTP is the only participant in the bankruptcy process uniquely positioned to address multi-jurisdictional misconduct or other issues of national scope that give rise to systemic fraud and abuse, while also effectively combatting local matters affecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system.

Field Office Interns

Field office interns assist attorneys in preparing for bankruptcy court appearances, developing bankruptcy fraud referrals, attorney misconduct, screening cases for debtor abuse of the Bankruptcy Code, reviewing documents in chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases, assisting with drafting and filing of motions and objections as appropriate, and monitoring section 341 meetings between debtors and creditors. Field Office interns may provide litigation support to attorneys, attend bankruptcy hearings, and 341 meetings. Internships may be available for academic credit, as determined by the individual field office.

Successful candidates will be rising second- and third-year law students who possess excellent research and writing skills, show attention to detail, have a desire to work as part of a small team of professionals, and are committed to fairness and integrity in the administration of the bankruptcy system. This is an excellent opportunity for students with a background and interest in bankruptcy, litigation, administrative law, policy, and legislation.

Interns must generally commit to 10-to-16 hours per week for at least 10 weeks, from September – December. However, specific hours will be determined by each office, and some flexibility is available.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume (not to exceed TWO (2) pages), current law school transcript and legal writing sample (no more than 10 pages) via email to ustp.internships@usdoj.gov. All documents should be in one PDF.

Applicants must indicate their interest in being considered for employment for specific field office, in the subject line of the email and within their cover letter.

Applicants may designate more than one office. The USTP field office locator is available at U.S. Trustee Regions and Offices | UST | Department of Justice.

The application period for the Fall 2026 session ends on April 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and positions may be filled prior to the final deadline.

Uncompensated student volunteer. Academic credit and transit subsidies may be available, as specified above.