The Civil Division’s Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch develops and brings affirmative civil litigation to enforce federal laws and regulations, enjoin actions that conflict with or violate federal law, and seek monetary penalties where appropriate.
Branch attorneys handle a wide variety of cases, including:
- Unlawful prescribing or dispensing of opioids and other controlled substances;
- Unfair and deceptive trade practices;
- Data privacy and identity protection;
- Adulterated, counterfeit, and misbranded food, drugs, tobacco products, and medical devices;
- Hazardous and unsafe consumer products; and
- Affirmative litigation to enforce compliance with statutory and regulatory programs and to enjoin state or local interference with federal functions.
The Branch works closely with the Food and Drug Administration, Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Department of Transportation, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Housing & Urban Development, and the Department of Labor.
Interns work closely with attorneys on a broad range of substantive projects, including conducting factual research for the Branch’s cases, reviewing documents to identify evidence of fraudulent activity or victims of fraud, and summarizing transcripts and other court records.
In addition, interns will have the opportunity to attend presentations about recent cases by Branch attorneys, in addition to participating in Department-wide training programs and special intern events. As such, interns who work at the Branch can expect to have an experience that is both productive and educational.
We seek candidates who are in their junior or senior year of undergraduate academic study and can work part-time in the fall (24 hours/week minimum). Applicants should have a GPA of 3.3 or higher and show how they have demonstrated their interest in the law through extracurricular activities.
LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP: October 7 to December 5, 2025
REQUIREMENTS:
- Criminal Background Check
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- Junior or Senior Year Status in Academic Program
INTERNSHIP LOCATION:
Liberty Square Building, 450 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20530
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript (all together in one pdf) to Intern Coordinator Lisa Mitzelfeld: Lisa.Mitzelfeld@usdoj.gov
