Legal Internships
Overview | Selection Process | Department/Internship Descriptions | Apply
Program Overview
OPIC’s Department of Legal Affairs invites a few law students with outstanding records and a demonstrated interest in finance and international law and development to spend a summer or academic semester at OPIC as legal interns.
When Offered:
Fall and Spring semesters as well as Summer. For Fall and Spring internships, second- and third-year students will be considered. For Summer internships, first- and second-year students will be considered.
Where Offered:
All positions are at OPIC's office in Washington, DC.
Mandatory Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S. citizenship
- No felony convictions
- If a male born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System
- Must be enrolled full time in an accredited law school, and must not have graduated before the internship would be served.
- Candidates must have an outstanding academic record. OPIC will request an official transcript for applicants under consideration.
- Must have experience or demonstrated interest in finance and international law and development, as evidenced by an academic or employment background in banking, finance, international affairs, etc.
- Superior writing abilities
- Must provide date of birth and Social Security Number.
Length of Internships:
- 12 weeks
Number of Positions Available:
OPIC typically selects 2-3 full or part-time interns for the Fall and Spring semesters, and up to 4 full-time interns for the Summer.
Application Schedule/Deadlines
Spring 2012:
- Application Period: October 1, 2010 - November 15, 2011
- Selections will be made by: November 30, 2011
- Internship start/end dates: Law school semester, beginning the week of January 19, 2012
Summer 2012:
- Application Period: January 1, 2012 - February 28, 2012
- Selections will be made by: March 15, 2011
- Internship start/end dates: 12 weeks between May 16 and August 19, 2011
Fall 2012:
- Application Period: May 1, 2010 - August 1, 2011
- Selections will be made by: August 31, 2010
- Internship start/end dates: Law school semester, beginning the week of September 6, 2011
Terms
- Volunteer positions only; no compensation
(Under 5 U.S.C. 3111, a student volunteer is not a Federal employee for any purposes other than injury compensation and law related to the Tort Claims Act. Service is not creditable for leave or any other employee benefits.) - May be performed for academic credit
- Eligible for a transportation subsidy
- Eligible for subsidized use of the fitness center located in OPIC's building
Additional Information:
- OPIC is an equal opportunity employer.
- OPIC provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Intern Program Coordinator. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.
- Click here to see OPIC's privacy policy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What should I do if I am having difficulty uploading my application?
Please send an email to internships@opic.gov - To whom should I address my cover letter?
Intern Program Coordinator - What if my grades from the last semester are not yet available?
Please note this in your cover letter. - What if my law school does not assign letter grades and grade-point averages?
Please note this in your cover letter and include a copy of your law school's evaluation policy. - If you have additional questions, please email OPIC's Intern Program Coordinator at internships@opic.gov.

