Law Externships

The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) hires law externs for semester or year long internships along with remote externships for credit. The internship program provides hands-on experience in criminal justice policy affecting elected and appointed prosecutors from across the country. The law extern conducts legal research and assists staff attorneys with technical assistance for prosecutors and allied criminal justice professionals. This position will be with the National Traffic Law Center division and will involve impaired driving and/or commercial motor vehicle issues. NDAA also offers undergraduate and graduate internships.

Position Responsibilities

• Research and synthesize the latest relevant case law and statutes
• Produce and update law compilations
• Cite-check and proofread documents
• Research and update files on expert witnesses
• Help prepare responses to technical assistance requests
• Draft articles and contribute to legal publications
• Attend conferences, trainings and/or meetings with coalition partners
• Perform other duties as assigned

Position Requirements/Essential Skills and Experience

• 2L or 3L law student
• Strong research, writing and legal analysis skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects
• Attention to detail
• Basic proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, and Outlook
• Interest and knowledge or experience in criminal justice

Strongly Preferred Skills and Experience

• Completed coursework in criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence
• Demonstrated substantive and specialized knowledge and experience in criminal justice
• Undergraduate degree or studies in criminal justice, social sciences or related fields
• Advanced skills in software programs listed above

Internal Communications

• Reports to staff attorneys
• Works closely with staff attorneys and various NDAA staff members

External Communications

Communicates with prosecutors, allied professionals, faculty, students, vendors and the general public

The unpaid externship/remote externship positions are available on a full-time or part-time basis throughout the academic year and during the summer. We prefer that students work between 20-40 hours per week but are willing to accommodate students’ academic schedules. NDAA is located 1 block from the Crystal City Metrorail station.

HOW TO APPLY

Eligibility:  All currently enrolled students in an accredited law school, as well as recent law school graduates are eligible to apply.

Instructions:  Please send completed application materials to NDAA via email at info@ndaajustice.org.  Students who would like to be considered for an externship are asked to send the following items:

• Cover letter and resume (make sure to indicate in your cover letter which term you are applying for- spring, summer, fall- and, if you know, the days and hours you are available.)
• Writing sample (no longer than 5 pages.)
• A list of two to three references (please provide both the phone and email contact information for each; one should be a Professor or other individual familiar with your work.)
• A law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable.)

KEY DATES

Spring Externships
Application Deadline: October 15
Notification: Mid-November
Duration: January-May

Summer Externships
Application Deadline: February 15
Notification: Mid-March
Duration: June-August

Fall Externships
Application Deadline: June 15
Notification: Mid-July
Duration: September- December

Applications received before the deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications received after the deadline are acceptable, however will only be reviewed if a position remains available.  We are generally able to make accommodations for externships of different lengths.