Job Responsibilities:
- Law Clerks will work closely with Office attorneys on copyright-related issues, providing valuable assistance in the preparation of Copyright Office reports for Congress.
- They may also assist with the Office’s international work, contributing to the development and analysis of copyright law and policy.
- Law Clerks are expected to engage in comprehensive research, writing, and editing tasks to support the Office’s functions.
- They will be assigned to one of the following divisions based on preferences and Office needs: Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Office of Policy and International Affairs (PIA), Office of Public Information and Education (PIE), Copyright Claims Board (CCB), and Office of Registration Policy and Practice (RPP).
Education and Experience Information:
- Candidates must either be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a U.S.-accredited law school.
- A significant interest or background in copyright law is required, demonstrated through relevant coursework or other experiences.
- Applicants must possess excellent research, writing, and editing abilities.
- Law Clerks generally serve ten to thirteen weeks for thirty-five to forty hours per week over the summer or fifteen to twenty hours per week during a fall or spring semester.
- Law clerks must not hold a conflicting legal or research position simultaneously.
Salary Information:
- Law Clerk positions are unpaid. However, Law Clerks often arrange to receive academic credit through their law school for their work at the Copyright Office.
- In some cases, Law Clerks may obtain stipend support through public interest grant programs and similar opportunities.
Eligibility and Appointment:
- The Law Clerk Program seeks highly motivated law students with strong academic credentials and a demonstrated interest in copyright law.
- Candidates must submit their applications, which include a statement of interest, resume, law school transcript, writing sample, and references, at least four months before the anticipated start date.
- Application deadlines are January 31 for the summer semester, May 30 for the fall semester, and September 30 for the spring semester.
- Successful candidates are notified on a rolling basis, generally at least six weeks prior to the anticipated start date.
Law Clerk Application and Selection Process:
- Applications are accepted at any time and should be sent in a single document file labeled with the applicant’s name and intended term.
- The selection process includes evaluating application materials, academic performance, research, writing and editing skills, interview performance, references, and interest and background in copyright law.
- Interviews may be conducted in person or via video or telephone conference, and the Office does not reimburse travel expenses for interviews.
