Internship Program at the **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***.
Are you a law student looking for real-world experience in a public agency? The **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. offers volunteer summer intern positions for students enrolled in accredited law schools. As the largest law firm in the state, the Department of Law is dedicated to providing interns with valuable experience and learning opportunities in both the Civil Division and the Criminal Division.
We are currently seeking motivated and committed individuals for our 10-week internship program. While we do not offer a stipend or salary, many law schools provide financial aid for students who intern with public agencies like the Department of Law. Here’s what you need to know about our internship program:
- Internships are available in both the Civil Division and the Criminal Division.
- Interns may be assigned to one of our 16 different sections, representing various agencies of the State and the Governor’s office.
- As an intern, you will have the opportunity to engage in legal research, writing, and courtroom work under the guidance of experienced trial lawyers.
- We aim to provide interns with a well-rounded experience, including attendance at depositions, client meetings, witness preparation, and other day-to-day attorney activities.
- Our internships are available in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks.
- Second and third-year students working in the Fairbanks office or in the Human Services section, who have completed at least one-half of the course work required for a law degree, are eligible for a "legal intern permit" under Alaska Bar Rule 44, allowing them to appear in court.
- Interns will receive feedback on their written and courtroom work from experienced attorneys.
- We strive to provide every intern with a substantive writing sample at the end of the internship.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. pay its interns?
Our internship program is a volunteer program. However, students may receive financial aid from their law schools for interning with public agencies like the Department of Law. We are also open to working with students who wish to do an externship.
- How long is the internship and when does it start?
We prefer interns to commit to a 10-week program. The exact start and end dates are flexible, but we typically ask all interns to start within a two-week period that aligns with their school schedules.
- How do I apply?
See "How to Apply" below.
- When should I apply?
We accept applications for intern positions at any time, but we typically fill our positions by mid-February. For web applicants, it is best to submit materials by the end of December.
- What areas of law will I be working in?
The Department of Law has two divisions: the Civil Division and the Criminal Division.
- Where in Alaska will I work?
Internships are available in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Placement depends on the needs of each section, but the majority of interns are placed in Anchorage.
- What kinds of projects will I work on?
Civil Division interns will engage in legal research, writing, and courtroom work under the direction of experienced trial and appellate lawyers. Projects may vary by section, but we aim to provide interns with a diverse range of legal experiences. We also involve interns in other aspects of attorney work, such as mediation, arbitration, depositions, witness preparation, motion practice, and client meetings.
- How do I find out about housing?
Short-term housing options can be found through advertisements in the Anchorage Daily News and Craigslist. In the past, many interns have obtained housing at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
- Do I need a car?
Not necessarily. Many housing options are within walking, bus, or bicycling distance from the office. Some interns have brought bicycles from home or purchased them on Craigslist. Others have bought older cars upon arrival and resold them at the end of the summer.
- Can I get work study credit?
Check with your school to see if they offer credit for internships. In the past, interns have earned credit toward their degrees.
- Can I take time off during my internship?
Some sections may approve leave in the middle of the internship (. a one-week vacation) as long as the full term of the internship is ten weeks.
How to Apply
To apply for an internship, please submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, law school transcript, and three references to the division you are interested in. For the Civil Division, . Please indicate which section(s) you are interested in and your geographic preferences or requirements in your cover letter.
Women and minority applications are encouraged. The **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. is an equal opportunity employer and complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants who require accommodation may or the Department of Law. For civil division positions, . For Criminal Division positions, .
We encourage applicants to reach out to current or former employees for more information about the Department of Law. However, any offers of employment or commitments to terms and conditions of employment must be made in writing by an authorized representative of the Attorney General. Final hiring decisions are made by the Attorney General.
