Job Responsibilities:
Law Clerks participating in the Law Clerk Program at the organization will be tasked with supporting Office attorneys on copyright-related issues that may arise within the organization, before Congress, and in the courts. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting in the preparation of reports for Congress.
- Supporting the organization’s international work related to copyright law.
- Conducting research, writing, and editing tasks.
- Law Clerks are expected to work for ten to thirteen weeks during the summer at thirty-five to forty hours per week or fifteen to twenty hours per week during a fall or spring semester.
Education and Experience Information:
Candidates for the Law Clerk Program must meet the following educational and experiential criteria:
- Enrollment in or graduation from a U.S.-accredited law school.
- Demonstrated interest or background in copyright law, evidenced by relevant coursework or other experiences.
- Strong academic credentials.
- Excellent research, writing, and editing abilities.
Law Clerks are assigned to one of the following divisions based on the candidates’ preferences and the organization’s needs: the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), the Office of Policy and International Affairs (PIA), the Office of Public Information and Education (PIE), the Copyright Claims Board (CCB), and the Office of Registration Policy and Practice (RPP).
Salary Information:
Law Clerks are unpaid. However, they may arrange to receive academic credit through their law school for work completed at the organization. Additionally, in some cases, Law Clerks can obtain stipend support through public interest grant programs or similar opportunities.
Eligibility and Appointment for Law Clerk Program:
The Law Clerk Program seeks highly motivated law students with strong academic credentials and a proven interest in copyright law. Candidates must ensure they are not holding any conflicting legal or research positions simultaneously.
Law Clerk Application and Selection Process:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and candidates are recommended to apply at least four months before their anticipated start date. The application deadlines are:
- Summer semester: January 31
- Fall semester: May 30
- Spring semester: September 30
Application materials should include:
- A statement of interest and qualifications, specifying the desired term and preferred division assignment.
- A resume.
- The most recent law school transcript.
- A writing sample reflective of the candidate’s own work, preferably on a copyright topic.
- Contact information for three academic or professional references.
Candidates who progress in the selection process will be invited for interviews conducted either in person, by video, or telephone conference. Travel expenses for interviews are not reimbursed by the organization. Selection decisions consider application materials, academic performance, skills demonstrated during the interview, references, and interest in copyright law. Successful candidates are notified on a rolling basis, typically at least six weeks before the start date.
