INTERNSHIP & clerkship OPPORTUNITIES

FCBA Foundation Now Accepting Applications for Funding of Unpaid Legal Internships at Government Agencies

For the fifteenth consecutive year, the Federal Communications Bar Association ("FCBA") Foundation will award stipends to law students from its Chairman Robert E. Lee Scholarship and Internship Fund.  In 2008, the Foundation will award at least five $5,000 stipends to law students employed as unpaid summer interns in positions with the FCC and other government agencies or entities with a connection to the communications industry (i.e., broadcasting, cable television, telephony, satellite, wireless, and information technology). 

In addition, the Foundation will select one outstanding intern among those chosen to receive an additional stipend of $600 for the summer—the “Max Paglin Award.”  Mr. Paglin was the former General Counsel and Executive Director of the FCC, and the founder of the Golden Jubilee Commission on Telecommunications, which compiled a definitive legislative history of the Communications Act.

Requirements:

Applicants will be selected on the basis of: (1) a demonstrated interest in the communications field, (2) having secured or having pending, an unpaid summer position (internship) for at least 8 weeks in communications with a government agency, (3) dependence on financial assistance in order to accept the unpaid internship in a government agency or entity involved in communications; and, (4) community activities.  To the extent a recipient receives unanticipated funding for the unpaid internship, the FCBA Foundation’s general policy is to reduce its scholarship awards by any amount that a recipient’s total funding (including all sources) for the internship would otherwise exceed $7,000.

Applications for a Lee Fund scholarship should be submitted to Kerry Loughney, FCBA Foundation, 1020 19th Street, N.W., Suite 325, Washington, D.C. 20036, by Friday, March 7, 2008.  Applicants may be asked to interview with members of the Foundation Board; interviews may be conducted by telephone.  Winners will be notified by Friday, April 18, 2008.

 To see the application, go to: http://www.fcba.org/foundation/internship_stipends.shtml.

Akerman Senterfitt is Sponsoring an Environmental Internship

Akerman Senterfitt is pleased to announce that it has established an environmental internship for first-year minority and female law students with a demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in environmental regulation, environmental redevelopment, environmental justice and/or environmental public health.  This 10 week, high-intensity program will involve in-depth exposure to federal, state and local regulatory, compliance, enforcement, cleanup matters, as well as the full array of legal, economic, transactional, technical, community and redevelopment issues associated with Brownfields restoration and reuse.  

Interested candidates must submit their resume, college and law school transcripts, two writing samples, and a cover letter discussing the candidate's interest and involvement in environmental matters to date.  All responses should be sent, no later than February 22, 2008, to:

Danielle Shannon

Director of Recruiting

Akerman Senterfitt

One SE Third Avenue

Miami, Florida  33131

305/374-5600 main

305/349-4619 facsimile

Please be specific about the position on your cover letters.  

The internship will start at the end of May and run through mid-August, with a salary of $5,000 for the duration of the program

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives ("ATF") Offers Opportunities for Law Students and Recent Graduates

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is an agency within the U.S. Dept. of Justice.  It is responsible for enforcing and administering the Federal Gun Control Act, the National Firearms Act, provisions of the Arms Export Control Act and various Federal explosives laws.  As a small agency with broad inter-related missions involving law enforcement, regulatory, counter-terrorism, alcohol and tobacco diversion, and homeland-security concerns, ATF affords interns and recent graduates with opportunities to experience a variety of legal disciplines in a dynamic environment.  ATF offers paid (through the Dept. of Justice's Summer Law Intern Program) and unpaid summer and semester internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. and in many cities throughout the U.S. (i.e., NY, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and Los Angeles).  Academic credit may be granted for these positions, subject to law school policy and practice. 

Students wishing to apply for a volunteer position may submit a cover letter and resume via email to chiefcounsel-internships@atf.gov. 

Application deadlines are as follows:

Spring semester: September 1st of the preceding year;

Summer: February 1st; and

Fall Semester: May 1st.   

ATF also participates in the Attorney General's Honors Program, the only method by which the Dept. of Justice hires graduating law students as entry-level attorneys.  Visit www.usdoj.gov/oarm/arm/hp/hp.htm for additional information on this program.    

Homer & Bonner is Seeking 1L Applicants for a Summer Position

Homer & Bonner is a boutique trial firm located in Miami that handles litigation of all types, including class actions, complex business and commercial litigation, securities and commodities, education, banking, intellectual property, insurance coverage, creditor's rights, bankruptcy, products liability, medical malpractice and personal injury.   

The firm is seeking 1L applicants for a summer position.  Interested 1Ls should submit a resume, cover letter, transcript and writing sample to Janet Figueroa at jfigueroa@homerbonnerlaw.com.

Andrew Trailor P.A. is Seeking a Law Clerk (2L, 3L)

Andrew Trailor P.A. is seeking to hire a part-time legal research clerk ASAP for its litigation practice.  Interested 2L and 3L

students can submit their resume and cover letter to Andrew Trailor at andrewtrailor@attlawpa.com.

United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Law Student Intern Program

(Fall and Spring Semesters) 

The United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") Trademark Law Student Intern Program is tailored for law students with an interest in trademark law and the U.S. trademark registration process, although some research may touch upon international trademark law issues and related intellectual property issues.  The intern program primarily supports the trademark examining operation, which consists of approximately 425 trademark attorneys who are responsible for determining the registrability of trademark applications.

Law School Credit May be Available:

Although the intern positions are unpaid, the USPTO will provide whatever assistance is necessary for students to obtain school credit for their work experience in accordance with their educational institution’s rules and policies.  If course credit is desired, students should consult with their law school career counseling office to determine the specific requirements, which may include a minimum number of hours per semester, and may also include a writing requirement. 

Minimum Weekly Hours and Other Restrictions: 

During the Fall and Spring terms, USPTO has up to ten (10) unpaid positions available for law student interns each semester.  Interns must work a minimum of 10-20 hours per week.  Interns will be provided with the necessary computer equipment, Lexis/NexisÒ training, and other legal training as needed.  Business casual attire is required. 

General Duties: 

Essentially, interns will serve as assistants to trademark attorneys in the trademark examining operation, the Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Trademarks, and elsewhere as needed.  Duties of interns shall include the following: 

• gathering evidence for use in trademark application cases; 
• legal research in trademark law and general legal principles related to trademark law; 
• utilizing the automated trademark search system; and 
• other duties as assigned.

USPTO Location: 

Requirements for Intern Positions:

Applicants must have completed at least one year of law school and be currently enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited law school.  United States citizenship is also required.

Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated background in intellectual property law.

Please mail (or fax to the USPTO at the fax numbers listed below) a resume and cover letter to the following address:

Law Student Intern Program

Attention: Mitch Front, Law Office 113

Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks

600 Dulany Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

For further information about the intern program, please contact: 

Mitch Front

(571) 272-9382    

fax no. (571) 273-9382

USPTO will notify successful candidates as soon as possible.

For questions about USPTO employment and other intern possibilities, please contact the USPTO Office of Human Resources at (571) 272-6000.

International Internship Program (1L, 2L, 3L, LL.M.)

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Offered by

SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL and THE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL LEGAL STUDIES

Suffolk University Law School ("SULS"), Boston, MA and The Center for International Legal Studies, Salzburg, Austria offer a unique opportunity to acquire practical legal experience abroad in law firms and international organizations in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Interns engage in real-life practice, learn new tools and skills and are able to develop an invaluable network of professional contacts. The experience of an international internship is a stepping stone to an international legal career.

An international internship may be taken for credit or not for credit. For SULS students, a prerequisite for receiving Internship credit at Suffolk Law School is passing the 2-credit course in International Legal Practice. Non-SULS students taking an internship for credit must ensure that their home institute offers an equivalent classroom course to satisfy the ABA rule regulating internship credit. J.D. students earn 3 credits and LL.M. students can earn between 2 and 5 credits. Students are required to work 45 hours per credit and academic credit for a Suffolk/CILS internship may be transferred to another law school. Additionally, all students engaged in the internship for credit must complete a work journal throughout their placement stay.

~ Application Requirements and Deadlines ~  

1. Complete a pre-application at http://cils.net/reg/regsimple.php so that the school can provide feedback on your placement viability.  

2. Once you receive feedback on placement options, you need to complete the application at https://www.law.suffolk.edu/academic/llm/apps/internship/application/index.cfm  before February 1, 2008 at which time a US $250 non-refundable Application Fee is required.  

3. Other items necessary to complete your application are:  

a. Completed and Signed Application for Admission

b. Curriculum Vitae to be emailed to adeluca@suffolk.edu

c. Personal Statement (as part of application)

d. List of up to three Preferences of Locations

e. Official Law School Transcript

f. Letter of Academic Good Standing

g. Statement or Proof of Foreign Language Skills (as part of application)

h. One Letter of Recommendation from either a law professor or law-related employer  

4. Upon acceptance of the Offer of an Internship from CILS, whether the Internship is for credit or not, a US $350 Placement Fee is required. You will have ten days following placement confirmation in which to make payment and the Placement Fee is non-refundable after May 1st of the summer of the internship should you withdraw from the internship.

5. If you are planning to earn academic credit for this experience, then you will be charged the Suffolk per credit tuition rate for Summer 2008, which will be due by May 1, 2008.  

6. To view a listing of past and possible placements, please visit http://cils.net/reg/recentplacements.html  and http://www.cils.net/reg/ngos/ngosGrid.php .  

Further specifics of the program can be found at http://www.law.suffolk.edu/academic/clinical/internship/intl/.

Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship Program (1L)

A Unique Program Allowing First-Year Law Students to Experience Law Practice within a Law Firm and a Corporate Legal Department 

The Mecklenburg County Bar is pleased to offer the 2008 Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship Program.  This internship program places first-year law students who advance the value of diversity within corporate law departments and law firms in Charlotte, NC.  The twelve-week summer clerkship will allow selected students to spend the first six weeks working as a summer associate in the Charlotte office of one participating law firm, and the second six weeks working in the Charlotte law department of one of the corporate partners.  Selected students will be compensated by those entities at the same level as other first-year summer associates.  The law students will participate in professional, civic and social activities that highlight the benefits of practicing law & living in the progressive and dynamic city of Charlotte, NC.  More information is available at www.charlottelegaldiversity.org. 

Participating law departments for 2008 are Bank of America, Compass Group, Duke Energy, Goodrich, Lowe's Home Improvement, TIAA-CREF, and Wachovia.  The participating law firms are Alston & Bird LLP; Helms Mulliss & Wicker, PLLC; Hunton & Williams, LLP; Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman LLP; Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, LLP; Moore & Van Allen, PLLC; Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP; Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.; and Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC.   

All applications should include a resume, copies of college & first-semester law school transcripts, and a writing sample.  Additionally, applicants must submit a brief statement explaining how he/she would contribute to the goal of creating a more diverse legal community in Charlotte.  These application materials must be received no later than February 8, 2008, by: 

Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship Program

C/o Caroline Hemingway, Recruiting Manager

Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, LLP

401 South Tryon Street, Ste. 3000

Charlotte, NC 28202

carolinehemingway@parkerpoe.com

Any applications submitted by electronic mail should be received in one file; however, first-semester grades may be submitted in a separate file in the event grades are not available when the rest of the application is submitted.  Please see the website for additional information about the application and application process. 

Interviews will be conducted in Charlotte on the afternoon of February 27, 2008 and the morning of February 28, 2008.  The participating law departments and law firms will cover reasonable travel costs for persons who are selected for in-person interviews.  

Public Interest Law Initiative ("PILI") Announces Paid 2008 Summer Internships in Chicago (1L, 2L)

Each year, The Public Interest Law Initiative ("PILI") offers over 40 public interest law internships that provide excellent legal training and experience for first or second-year law students.  Interns work at one of PILI's affiliated public interest law agencies in Chicago.  PILI raises the money to fund the internships, and then issues grants to its eligible host agencies.  The agencies, in turn, pay their Interns directly.   PILI ensures quality supervision by experienced lawyers at its agencies, and provides a lunch-time educational seminar program.  The Internship program encourages law students to work at --and learn about-- legal institutions that serve the public interest, and engenders a life-long commitment to public interest law and pro bono work.

PILI sponsors a Summer Internship Program for first and second-year law students.  The Summer Internship program is open to law students from across the country. Each summer, PILI funds dozens of internships at public interest law agencies in the Chicago metropolitan area. Agencies hosting Summer Interns receive $5,000 to pay an Intern for 10 full-time weeks of work. 

The following are some of the areas of law which will be covered in these internships:

• Family Law

• Civil Rights

• Children's Rights

• Environmental Law

• Social Justice Issues

• Immigration Law

• Disability Rights

• Fair Housing Law

• LGBT Rights

To apply for a Summer Internship, you must be a first or second-year law student with an accredited law school, and must first register online at www.illinoisprobono.org.  Registration is free and you may register at any time, supplying some brief demographic information. Even if you attend a law school located in a state other than Illinois, you must still register.  Simply choose "Law Student" as your "Job Title.  Registrations will be approved in 24 hours. 

To get started with your online application, go to www.illinoisprobono.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=students.dspHome.   If you have already registered, or after your registration is approved, you may log in and apply to up to ten summer internship host agencies. 

THE COVER LETTER:

Please individualize your cover letters.  Since PILI and the agencies seek a diverse group of interns, you may include information about minority status and foreign language fluency.

DEADLINES: 

The application period for the 2008 Summer Internship program will be open to second-year students beginning on October 15, 2007.  Due to NALP restrictions, first-year students will not be eligible to apply until December 1st, 2007.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through March of 2008. 

Please note: Each agency supervisor handles hiring differently; some make hiring decisions in fall or winter, while others wait until later in the school-year.  The earlier you apply, the better your chances of obtaining an Internship.

UPLOADING YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS : 

Once you have uploaded your resume and your cover letter(s), your application is complete. (You will not receive any e-mail or other notification from PILI that they have received your application materials).  From October through March, agency supervisors receive weekly automated e-mails with links to their applicants.  When an agency supervisor logs in, he/she will see your resume and cover letter, along with those of others who have applied to the agency.

GETTING HIRED AS A PILI INTERN:

PILI does not hire Interns; the agencies do. PILI recruits applicants and hosts, funds stipends and acts as a clearinghouse.  However, here are some tips.  Public interest agencies want students who are dedicated to public interest issues.  Therefore, mention experiences that demonstrate your commitment, including volunteer or community work, and note any special skills, e.g., language proficiency, computer experience, etc.   

AGENCY RESPONSES:

Don't be discouraged if you have applied for an Internship but have not yet had a response.  Each agency has its own hiring practices.  Some make hiring decisions in fall or winter, while others wait until later in the school-year.  Agencies may not always acknowledge every application because many agencies have neither the staff nor the funds to do so.  Some agencies will directly contact selected applicants for interviews.  If you have not yet heard from an agency, you are free to follow up with that agency to check on the status of your application, but do so in a professional and respectful manner.

STIPEND FOR PILI SUMMER INTERNS:

PILI pays a $5,000 grant to the agency; the agency withholds taxes and pays the Intern for 400 hours, or ten full-time weeks, of work.  Check the agency's pay arrangements so you will know what to expect.

AFFILIATED AGENCIES FOR THE 2008 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

PILI's affiliated agencies page lists all of the 50 host agencies at which law student Interns or post-graduate Fellows work.  However, only the 20 agencies designated as Summer Intern hosts are participating in the PILI Summer Internship Program.   Therefore, PILI Law Student Summer Interns are restricted to applying only the agencies listed below:

Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
American Civil Liberties Union
Business and Professional People for the Public Interest
Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic
Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Chicago Legal Clinic
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation
Citizen Advocacy Center
Coordinated Advice & Referral Program for Legal Services (CARPLS)
Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest
Equip for Equality 
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
Law Project of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing
Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago

Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund

National Immigrant Justice Center (formerly MIHRC)
Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law
U.S. Dep't of Health & Human Services

For additional information, and to apply on-line, please visit

www.pili-law.org/PILIStudentInternships.htm.

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