Summer Law Clerk
RequirementsApplication Process
FAQs
About the Job
Following an in-depth training program that covers the intricacies of legislative drafting, a Summer Law Clerk assists SLC attorneys in the preparation of legislation for consideration by the Senate, including bills, resolutions, and amendments, reviews that work product for legal sufficiency and constitutionality, and works directly with Senate staff (under the supervision of SLC attorney mentors) to ensure that the legislative work product reflects the policy goals. This position engages the Summer Law Clerk in all areas of Federal law in a nonpartisan and nonpolitical manner.
The Summer Law Clerk position requires a commitment of 10 weeks, typically from late May through the end of July. SLC provides a stipend of $920 per week for the period of employment, subject to the availability of appropriations. Teleworking is not available for this position.
Requirements
An applicant for a Summer Law Clerk position must satisfy the following requirements:
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- Enrollment as a 2L full-time student (or a 3L part-time student) in a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association.
- A record of academic excellence, evidenced by ranking in the top 1/2 of the applicant’s law school class.
- An ability to write clearly and concisely.
- No substantial participation with any political party or cause.
- A commitment to public service.
- Commit to having no substantial political involvement during SLC employment.
Application Process
Most applications for the Summer Law Clerk position are received through SLC’s participation in various career fairs. Please visit our Summer Law Clerk Career Fairs page to see which career fairs SLC participates in. Applicants may also apply for the Summer Law Clerk position by filling out an application using the link below. In either case, applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package, which should include a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and a writing sample. The writing sample should demonstrate legal research and analysis, not exceed 10 pages, and be solely written by the applicant and not published under the name of any other person. If submitting an application using the link below, applicants must also indicate their law school class rank or confirm that their law school does not provide this information. An applicant will not be able to submit their application without such information.
Position Currently Unavailable
This position is currently closed. Please check back regularly for new hiring opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Summer Law Clerks does SLC hire each year?
Subject to appropriations, SLC typically hires 2 or 3 Summer Law Clerks each year.
When does SLC accept applications for the Summer Law Clerk position?
In the early fall, there is typically a 1-month period during which applicants for the Summer Law Clerk position can apply through this website. In addition, SLC often participates in various career fairs during the summer and fall.
Where is the Summer Law Clerk position located? Is teleworking available for this position?
Summer Law Clerks work in the SLC Office in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., and are not eligible for telework.
*The Senate Office of the Legislative Counsel is an equal opportunity employer. The Office reserves the right to conduct a background check before final selection, including a reference check, Internet name searches, and a criminal background check.