Law Student Volunteer

LAW STUDENT VOLUNTEER FALL 2026

Field Office Interns:  

There are 82 field offices located throughout the country. Field office interns assist attorneys in preparing for bankruptcy court appearances, developing bankruptcy fraud referrals, attorney misconduct, screening cases for debtor abuse of the Bankruptcy Code, reviewing documents in chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases, assisting with drafting and filing of motions and objections as appropriate, and monitoring section 341 meetings between debtors and creditors. Field Office interns may provide litigation support to attorneys, attend bankruptcy hearings, and 341 meetings. Internships may be available for academic credit, as determined by the individual field office. 

Application Process

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, current law school transcript and legal writing sample (no more than 10 pages) via email to ustp.internships@usdoj.gov. All documents should be in one PDF. Applications submitted via Handshake will not be reviewed

Applicants must indicate their interest in being considered for employment among the listed field office, in the subject line of the email and within their cover letter. Applicants may designate more than one office. The USTP field office locator is available at U.S. Trustee Regions and Offices | UST | Department of Justice.  

Application Deadline:

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Qualifications

Successful candidates will be rising second or rising third year law students who possess excellent research and writing skills, show attention to detail, have a desire to work as part of a small team of professionals, and are committed to fairness and integrity in the administration of the bankruptcy system. This is an excellent opportunity for students with a background and interest in bankruptcy, litigation, administrative law, policy, and legislation.   

Interns must generally commit to 10 to 16 hours per week for at least 10 weeks, from September to December. However, specific hours will be determined by each office, and some flexibility is available.  

About the Office

The United States Trustee Program (USTP) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders-debtors, creditors, and the public. The USTP is a national program with twenty-one (21) regions consisting of field offices, and has broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authorities in bankruptcy cases, including chapter 7 and 13 consumer cases, family farmer chapter 12 cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate reorganizations. The USTP is the only participant in the bankruptcy process uniquely positioned to address multi-jurisdictional misconduct or other issues of national scope that give rise to systemic fraud and abuse, while also effectively combatting local matters affecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system. 

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. 

Salary

Uncompensated student volunteer. Academic credit and transit subsidies may be available, as specified above. 

Number of Positions

Multiple, depending on geographic preference.

Travel

Travel is not required.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses are not available.