Law Student Volunteer-Summer 2025

Hiring Organization

USAO District of South Dakota

Hiring Office

Criminal, Civil, or Appellate

Location:

Multiple Locations

Application Deadline:

Friday, January 17, 2025

About the Office

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota investigates and prosecutes federal crimes and represents the interests of the United States in both criminal and civil cases and matters in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, as well as in the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

The office has three litigating divisions—Criminal, Appellate, and Civil. The Criminal Division is concerned with the prosecution of all federal criminal violations, which include controlled substance violations, violent crime, organized crime, fraud, tax violations, white-collar crime, civil rights violations, crimes against children, and national security offenses. The Appellate Division handles the office’s appeals and provides guidance to AUSAs. The Civil Division is devoted to cases involving bankruptcy, collections, affirmative civil enforcement, federal tort claim defenses, EEOC matters, and prisoner petitions. Employees work from the Sioux Falls (headquarters), Rapid City, or Pierre offices.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Job Description

The District of South Dakota is seeking outstanding candidates as Law Student Volunteers for the Sioux Falls and Pierre, SD offices. One opening is available in each office. The program is overseen by experienced Assistant U.S. Attorneys who provide daily supervision and coordinate work assignments. The following are a few of the activities Law Student Volunteers normally perform while working in this role:

• providing research on legal issues and stating their findings orally and/or through written memoranda;
• assisting and/or preparing pre-trial and post-trial motions and responses;
• assisting in the writing of trial and appellate briefs;
• observing various stages of federal proceedings (witness interviews, depositions, trials, sentencings, appellate arguments, etc.);
• assisting in the preparation of affidavits, exhibits, and notebooks for trial; and
• for those who qualify under the student-practice rules, participating in court hearings.

Other opportunities provided include:

• meeting with federal agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, HSI, etc.);
• attending “Law Student Volunteer Panels” hosted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys; and
• receiving personal introductions to federal district judges.

The summer session runs from approximately June to August. For the best experience, Law Student Volunteers are expected to be in-person, 40 hours a week, for a minimum of 8 weeks.

Qualifications

To be eligible for this experience ALL of the following requirements must be met:

• Law Student Status: Acceptance of applications for this announcement will be limited to first-year (second semester), second and third-year law students. Law school graduates are not eligible for Law Student Volunteer positions. An eligible student is an individual who is enrolled in law school pursuing a Juris Doctor Degree and is taking at least half-time academic course load in an accredited university. Successful candidates must have outstanding academic records, superior writing skills, and be in good academic standing with their educational institution.

• Citizenship: Law Student Volunteers must be United States citizens or owe permanent allegiance to the United States. (Currently, natives of American Samoa, Swains Island and certain inhabitants of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are the only groups that owe permanent allegiance to the United States.)

• Background Investigation: You must successfully complete a background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal selection.

• Volunteer Agreement: All Law Student Volunteers are required to sign the Participant Agreement (will be completed later if selected).

Application Process

Please provide the following information as one combined PDF attachment to: USASD.Applications@usdoj.gov no later than January 17, 2025:

• Cover letter including your contact information, the litigating division(s) you are interested in, office preference (Sioux Falls and/or Pierre), and the dates you are available for the Law Student Volunteer position. We encourage you to address your interest in the USAO’s work and your ties to (or interest in) the District of South Dakota.
• Current resume.
• Current law school transcript (unofficial). If your most recent semester's grades are unavailable when you submit your application, you must provide them as soon as they become available.
• A legal writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages).

Those selected for interviews will be notified. We typically participate in on-campus interviewing (OCI) at the University of South Dakota Knutson School of Law. For students farther afield or when on-campus interviews are not feasible, arrangements will be made for interviews online or in person at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sioux Falls.

Salary

This is a voluntary position without federal compensation or benefits. Academic credit may be available. Students are required to coordinate their eligibility and any associated requirements through their respective law school in advance.

Number of Positions

Multiple Positions May Be Filled

Travel

None required.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses are not authorized.