Last summer, 2L Steven Green worked at the U.S. Department of Justice in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. In this role, Steven worked on a variety of projects, ranging from legal research and writing to working on search warrant affidavits and other trial-related documents. He also had the opportunity to work on international legal assistance requests regarding investigation materials.
The Fraud section allowed Steven to combine his interests in criminal law, litigation, international law and investigative work. Steven’s summer experience shaped his future plans by reinforcing his desire to pursue a career in litigation, and further exposed him to the benefits of federal government work.
The Fraud Section accepts about a dozen interns every summer, creating a collegial and collaborative atmosphere among the intern class. Each intern is assigned a mentor attorney who assigns projects, so the work Steven did closely tracked the needs of his mentor. The atmosphere of the Fraud section was collegial and cordial while also being fast-paced and hard-working. The hours were manageable and allowed for an enjoyable summer experience.
In addition to informing his future career plans, Steven’s experience at DOJ also helped improve his legal research and writing skills. These skills have come in handy back at HLS when, for example, he is assisting a professor with research or editing a journal article for grammar and bluebook errors.
Steven recommends the Fraud Section at DOJ for anyone looking “to do high-level, interesting legal work with a real sense of purpose and an enjoyable atmosphere.” He recommends the experience for anyone interested in litigation, corporate, or other areas of the law, because the Section covers a wide range of interests by allowing interns to pursue criminal litigation involving business matters.
Written by OPIA 1L Section Representative Ally Coll Steele