Law Student Volunteer, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) - (Fall 2026)

Law Student Volunteer, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) - (Fall 2026) Hiring Organization Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Hiring Office Office of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program Legal Counsel Job ID

OJP-26-VLIP-001

Location: 999 North Capitol St. NE Washington, DC 20002 - United States Application Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 About the Office The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is the federal government's leading source of funding and resources that supports law enforcement and advances community safety. The OJP houses the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) Office, which provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, and other first responders, and disability benefits and education to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty and their families. The Office of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program Legal Counsel attorneys ensure that the benefits applications meet the legal requirements, and the benefits are paid to the proper beneficiaries. As a flagship program of the Department's Justice Programs and a unique effort of the U.S. Department of Justice, the benefits support public safety officers and their families across the nation. The benefits awarded by the PSOB Office are one way for the federal government to acknowledge the value of public safety officers and their sacrifices. The program benefits are provided via federal legislation and funding, and thus it is critical for the PSOB attorneys to make certain that benefits are legally provided to the proper beneficiaries and pursuant to statutory and regulatory requirements. The claims involve, but are not limited to, the legal knowledge of torts law, family law, and administrative law. The PSOB Program helps determine the payment of benefits to disabled public safety officers and the surviving family members of officers from line‑of‑duty injuries arising from, for example, World Trade Center emergency service, COVID‑19, motor vehicle accidents, shootings, and stress‑related disorders, among other types of injuries and fact‑patterns. Job Description Our interns will learn how to interpret and apply the PSOB Act and implementing regulations to provide legal review of disability and death claims. Interns engage in statutory, regulatory, and legislative history research and draft memos on novel issues that often arise through carrying out program objective. Interns will review complex death and disability records to identify outcome‑determinative facts, weigh medical opinion evidence pursuant to the Rules of Federal Evidence, and contrast evaluating symptom severity indicators with, for example, the Social Security Administration disability standards and the Veteran Affairs’ disability standards. Example issues include: (1) determining beneficiary status based upon state common‑law or putative marriage law; (2) state versus federal subpoena authority; (3) the impact of Supreme Court administrative cases on our program; (4) how to apply new‑enacted legislative amendments, and; (5) historic underpinnings of certain statutory phrases, to name a few. We host lunch discussions regarding legal career advice and invite interns to join in agency‑wide discussions and events. Our goal is for every intern to finish the program with at least one well‑researched and persuasive memorandum on a legal question that is of interest to them. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in federal practice, workers’ compensation, disability law, and administrative and government practices. This is NOT a remote Internship. This internship will be in‑person at the Washington, DC location. Qualifications Must be a U.S. citizen. Law student MUST be enrolled at least half‑time and have completed at least one semester of law school from an accredited institution. Part‑time law students and joint‑degree candidates may also apply. First‑year (second semester), second‑ and third‑year law students are encouraged to apply. Availability to participate for full duration of the internship. Must commit to work 8 hours per week for a minimum of 10 continuous weeks. Prior to entry on duty, all interns must undergo a suitability/fitness determination based on information provided in their pre‑employment paperwork. Drug Testing may be required prior to entry on duty. Preferred Qualification Superior research and writing skills, detail‑oriented, and a desire to be part of a vital team mission that provides benefits for the nation's fallen and catastrophically injured officers. Application Process Submit the following required application materials in a single PDF file titled: LastName_FirstName_Fall2026 to View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject line: BJA Fall 2026Internship Application - OJP-26-VLIP-001 Resume (not to exceed two pages) Legal writing sample 5‑10 pages in length Law school transcript (unofficial copy is sufficient for application; official copy will be required if selected) In both your transmittal email and the first paragraph of your cover letter, clearly state which term you are applying for (e.g., Fall 2026). Volunteer (uncompensated). Course credit, work‑study, and externship opportunities are available depending on school requirements. Number of Positions 2 Travel Not Required Relocation Expenses Not provided #J-18808-Ljbffr The United States Department of Justice