The United States Trustee Program (USTP or Program) 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, including debtors, creditors, and the public. The Program operates nationwide through 21 regions comprised of 82 field office locations and exercises broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authority in bankruptcy cases. Its responsibilities extend across chapter 7 and 13 consumer matters, chapter 12 family farmer cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate restructurings.

As the only participant in the bankruptcy process with a national footprint and independent oversight mandate, the USTP is uniquely positioned to identify and address multijurisdictional misconduct and other issues of national significance that threaten the integrity of the bankruptcy system. At the same time, the Program remains equipped to respond effectively to local matters involving fraud, abuse, or other practices undermining the fair and efficient administration of bankruptcy cases.

We invite you to visit the USTP's Web site at U.S. Trustee Program | Department of Justice.

Office of the General Counsel

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is responsible for coordinating, directing, and developing legal policies, procedures, and litigating positions for the USTP in enforcing the Bankruptcy Code. OGC handles its responsibilities through four legal practice groups, each with a specialized focus: Appellate, Chapter 11, Consumer, and General and Administrative. OGC interns will conduct research and assist attorneys in each practice group area on a wide variety of matters. Interns may be drafting and editing memoranda, USTP guidance and policy papers, court pleadings, and appellate briefs. Interns may also be participating in moot courts to prepare attorneys for trial, working on Ethics, Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, Administrative Procedures Act matters, observing Congressional hearings, and preparing summaries for senior leadership. An internship with OGC may be available for academic credit. OGC interns must be available to work in-person in the Washington, DC office.

Successful candidates will be second- and 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 16 hours per week for at least 10 weeks, from January to May. However, specific hours will be determined by the office, and some flexibility is available. Interns must be available to work in-person in the assigned office location.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume (not to exceed two pages), 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.

Applicants should indicate their interest in a position within the Office of the General Counsel in both the email subject line and the cover letter.

The application period for the Spring session ends on Monday, September 21, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and positions may be filled prior to the final deadline.