United States Copyright Office, Program for Law Clerks

The United States Copyright Office provides expert leadership and advice on copyright law and policy to the United States Congress, federal agencies, the courts, and the general public. The mission of the Copyright Office is to promote creativity by administering and sustaining an effective national copyright system.

The Copyright Office has Fall 2022 positions available for unpaid law clerks in the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Policy and International Affairs. These units interpret the U.S. Copyright Act and advise Congress, executive branch agencies, and others on domestic and international policy matters. In addition, Copyright Office attorneys support work on critical projects and priorities of the Register of Copyrights, including legislative and policy initiatives, operational enhancements, and public outreach efforts.

Projects of law clerks include:

  • Attending congressional hearings, industry events, and roundtables.
  • Drafting portions of Copyright Office communications and reports.
  • Joining in meetings with stakeholders or domestic and foreign officials.
  • Conducting legal research and drafting memoranda.

Candidates for a law clerk position must either presently be enrolled in, or have graduated from, an accredited law school; have a demonstrated interest or background in copyright law as shown by relevant coursework or otherwise; and possess excellent research, writing, and editing abilities.

The United States Copyright Office is a federal agency that is part of the Library of Congress. Additional information about the Copyright Office can be found at www.copyright.gov. Details on how to apply can be found at www.copyright.gov/about/special-programs/internships.

Location: Washington, DC*

* The Copyright Office is currently operating under a hybrid schedule. There is a possibility that Fall internships may be conducted fully or partly remote.

Practice areas: Copyright, Intellectual Property, Entertainment, Government, Government Policy, Litigation, Litigation-IP, Public Interest, Public Policy

Is field placement credit potentially available? Yes

Contact information:  copyrightlawclerks@copyright.gov

How to apply: Please see website in description.