Alaska Department of Law - Attorney General Criminal Division
Posted on:
May 27,2025
Job Profile:
Organization: #***#
Job Title: Summer Internship Program
Experience: Second and third-year law students
Salary: Unpaid, volunteer program
Commitment: 10 weeks
Introduction
The #***#, under direction of the Attorney General, offers a unique opportunity for second and third-year law students to gain practical experience through its Summer Internship Program. As the largest law firm in the state, the Department of Law has volunteer summer intern positions available for students enrolled in accredited law schools. This internship program is a great opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of legal areas and to work alongside experienced attorneys.
Experience
The internship program is available to second and third-year students who have completed at least one-half of the course work required for a law degree. These students are eligible for a “legal intern permit” under Alaska Bar Rule 44, allowing them to appear in court. This provides interns with valuable experience and exposure to the legal system.
Internship Commitment
The internship program requires a ten-week commitment from students. The exact start and end dates are flexible, but the Department of Law prefers to have all interns start within a two week period, which is established based on the intern's school schedule.
Salary Information
The #***# does not offer a stipend or salary for its interns. However, many law schools provide financial aid to students who intern for public agencies such as the Department of Law. The Department of Law is willing to work with students who would like to do an externship instead of an internship.
Internship Divisions
The internship program is available in both the Civil Division and the Criminal Division of the Department of Law.
Civil Division Internships
As an intern in the Civil Division, students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of legal projects under the direction of experienced trial and appellate lawyers. This may include legal research, writing, and courtroom work in the trial court. The Department of Law aims to provide interns with a diverse range of experiences, and students may have the opportunity to participate in mediation, arbitration, depositions, witness preparation, motion practice, and client meetings. In addition, interns in certain locations and who have completed at least one-half of the course work required for a law degree may be eligible for a “legal intern permit” under Alaska Bar Rule 44, allowing them to appear in court.
Criminal Division Internships
The Criminal Division prosecutes violations of state criminal law and interns in this division will have the opportunity to work on felony and misdemeanor criminal prosecutions. Under the direction of experienced trial lawyers, interns may do legal research, writing, and courtroom work. With a legal intern permit, interns may even handle a misdemeanor jury trial under supervision.
Housing and Transportation
The Department of Law does not provide housing for interns, but there are a number of places that advertise short-term housing, including the Anchorage Daily News and Craigslist. Many interns have obtained housing at the University of Alaska, Anchorage in past years. Students do not necessarily need a car, as many housing options are within walking distance or accessible by public transportation. Some interns have even bought bicycles on Craigslist or purchased older cars during their internship and resold them at the end of the summer.
Application Process
Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, law school transcript, and three references to the division they are interested in. The application deadline is typically in mid-February, but we encourage applicants to submit their materials by the end of December for web applicants. Women and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.
Conclusion
The #***# Summer Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for law students to gain practical experience and exposure to the legal system. With a ten-week commitment, students will have the chance to work in either the Civil Division or the Criminal Division, depending on their interests. Although the internship is unpaid, it provides valuable experience and may be eligible for financial aid through the student's law school. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so students are encouraged to apply early.
