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Federal Legislative Branch

Internships

Government & Capitol Hill: Federal Legislative Branch

Law students interested in public policy should consider legislative jobs. Although the compensation is less than either private practice or executive departments, the experience gained is usually transferable to positions in private practice. Many former legislative attorneys have become lobbyists in private law firms, corporations or trade associations, or have moved to executive departments that support legislative liaison divisions.

Regardless of whether the attorney is hired to serve on the legislator's personal staff or as staff for a legislative committee, these types of jobs share some characteristics. Hiring may be dependent upon political affiliation or support for the policy and programs of the individual legislator or committee. The positions are highly competitive, and many offices prefer staff members with ties to that legislator's district or geographic area. Prior Capitol Hill and/or legislative experience is a plus.

Networking is absolutely a must! Jobs tend to be "advertised" only through word-of-mouth. However, as OCPD recieves job announcements, they are posted on CareerLink and listings of vacancies with the Senate are available by calling the Senate Jobs Hotline at 202-228-JOBS. Directions for applying for the openings are also available on this recording. Listings of vacancies with the House of Representatives are available at http://www.house.gov.

Additional Resources Available in the OCPD Library

Senate Internships

Obtaining internships with the various Senator's can be a difficult process. Depending on the Senate office, constituency is a must as well as a suitable background. Internships generally unpaid and require large time commitments. Steps to take when applying for an internship:

  1. Research the Senators; review their websites and listed internship programs
  2. Mail a letter of interest, including your cover letter and resume, to the proper contact person
  3. Mail your application
    • Summer Internships: mail in early Fall
    • Spring Internships: mail in early Fall
    • Fall internships: mail in Mid-Spring
  4. Make a follow up call a few weeks following your initial mailing
    • DO NOT call for frivolous purposes or general questions

DO NOT use mass mailing to obtain these interships. This is ineffective as well as viewed negatively by the various Senator's offices.

Senate Committee Interships

Obtaining internships with the Senate Committees can be a difficult process. Depending on the Committee and Senator Leader, constituency could play a large part in the process as well as a suitable background. Internships are generally unpaid and require large time committments. Steps to take when applying for an internship:

  1. Research the Committee, Senators and Missions
  2. Mail a letter of interest, including your cover letter and resume, to the Committee Chief Counsel
  3. Mail your application
    • Summer Internships: mail in early Fall
    • Spring Internships: mail in early Fall
    • Fall internships: mail in Mid-Spring
  4. Make a follow up call a few weeks following your initial mailing
    • DO NOT call for frivolous purposes or general questions

DO NOT use mass mailing to obtain these interships. This is ineffective as well as viewed negatively by the various Committees and Senator's offices.
 
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