http://www.justice.gov/

U.S. Department of Justice

Intern

May - September 2023 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I loved my supervisor; learned so much in the office!

What I wish was different

Wish there had been more communication but in general, amazing experience.

Advice

Find what you're truly interested in the position.
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Paralegal Specialist

January 2020 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I liked the team of attorneys and other support staff that I worked with. It was a great opportunity to do work that directly impacts real cases and huge litigations that the government is part of.

What I wish was different

I wish we had been in person but given the circumstances of Covid, I know this was not possible.

Advice

I would advise other students to ask lots of questions and if you have some free time while working, try to do some independent work or research to learn more about the case or the legal system. Make yourself an expert on your case or in your field.
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Honors Intern

June 2021 • Buffalo, NY

What I liked

Hands-on experiences that interns got to participate in.

What I wish was different

My supervisor and the department I worked for.

Advice

Take the lead on getting work to do.. Otherwise, you will spend much of the summer bored out of your mind.
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Intern

January - May 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The enviroment, the people, the work experience I had.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time there.

Advice

Every student at Westfield State should experience some abroad program, whether it be an internship or study abroad program, it's very rewarding.
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Law Intern

June - August 2018 • Knoxville, TN

What I liked

I worked with incredibly smart and well-versed attorneys in the federal legal system. Understood the basics of legal management, and introduced me to new opportunities.

What I wish was different

I wish that I could have had bigger projects within our specific cases.

Advice

Proof-read your work and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
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Intern

June 2017 • Washington, DC

What I liked

It was a very interesting experience. I loved working with the people who taught me about the Justice system, the courts, the laws, and so much more. Not only that, but the word itself is fascinating.

What I wish was different

I wish I had asked more questions and been more outgoing.

Advice

Take advantage of all opportunities given to you! Look to learn and grow through what you experience and are taught through jobs and internships.
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Legal Intern

July - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I learned to do legal research and writing.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to stay longer

Advice

Definitely apply, and seek out funding opportunities from the Haas Center.
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Department of Justice Intern

June - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming. I enjoyed the work I was tasked with and felt like I grew my understanding of this particular government agency as well as the US Government in general.

What I wish was different

I wish Washington, D.C., wasn't so hot in the summer.

Advice

Everyone knows everyone, so act accordingly.
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Honors Intern

June 2018 • Quantico, VA

What I liked

Great work environment

What I wish was different

Hiring process was slow.

Advice

Patience during background checks!
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Intern

June - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Everything. I was challenged every day, gained valuable skills, and really got along well with everyone at the office. I highly recommend.

What I wish was different

I wish I had realized that there was no direct train from Georgetown (where I was staying) to my job.

Advice

Do it!
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Student Workforce Trainee

June 2018 • Miramar, FL

What I liked

It was an extremely unique experience that helped me grow as an individual and professionally.

What I wish was different

I wish it would have started in May so I could have worked a few more weeks.

Advice

Everyone should try and complete an internship because it really sets you up for the future.
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summer intern

June - August 2017 • Washington, DC

What I liked

the environment of the office and the people i worked with and for. great likeminded individuals and all wanted to help out and give good experience

What I wish was different

getting paid!!

Advice

reach put to as many attorneys as possible to do different things
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Intern

September - December 2017 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I really liked the hands on experience and had the chance to learn new things that I never thought I would be able to do in my sophomore year of college!

What I wish was different

I definitely wish that there was more trial court experience but overall I had an amazing time interning for an Assistant US Attorney.

Advice

I would say that you should always ask questions, even if you think it is stupid or not important, because it is better to do something correctly the first time and avoid the struggle of having to do something over because of a lack of asking!
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Intern

July - September 2017 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I liked the interactions you had with lawyers, paralegals and law students. You were treated as a respected member of the team, given some high responsibility tasks, and invited to events inside and outside of the office.

What I wish was different

There was very little work to do. When I did have assignments they were really cool, but about a third of the time I had almost nothing to do.

Advice

Be proactive about asking for work/projects, and don't be discouraged if there isn't anything at the moment. Go to office events both inside the office (e.g. case moots/reviews) and outside (e.g. happy hours, local trials) because it helps integrate you to the team more.
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Legal Clerk

August - November 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The experience helped me learn about the legal field and what the department of justice does.

What I wish was different

Advice

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