The Office of Counsel to the Inspector General (OCIG) Health Care Fraud and Abuse Legal Internship program offers unpaid opportunities for second and third year law students with an interest in government and health care law. Although program dates are flexible, selected applicants must commit to working a minimum of 15 hours per week for 10 to 12 weeks. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the fall 2021 internship will be a remote position, with the potential to transition to in-person in OIG’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
OCIG promotes the mission of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) through timely, accurate, and persuasive legal advocacy and counsel. OCIG has five branches. The Administrative and Civil Remedies Branch handles civil fraud and abuse cases involving Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs; works with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve civil False Claims Act cases; and defends the decision to exclude providers from participating in Federal health care programs. The Industry Guidance Branch issues advisory opinions to the public and health care industry on whether an activity constitutes grounds for sanction and provides legal advice to HHS and DOJ on the Anti-Kickback Statute. The Advice Branch advises on issues such as the scope and exercise of the Inspector General’s authorities and responsibilities, investigative techniques and resolution, and audits and inspections. The Affirmative Litigation Branch focuses on investigating and initiating health care fraud cases under OIG’s Civil Monetary Penalty and exclusion authorities. The Exclusions Branch promotes the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of HHS managed programs, and provides reinstatement to individuals and entities permitting them back into the Federal health care programs. OCIG will strive to give each intern an opportunity to work with the branches through performing legal research and drafting briefs, legal memoranda, and correspondence.
Learn more about OIG at our website: www.oig.hhs.gov
Program requirements:
• Applicants must be in their second or third year of law school (or equivalent for evening/part-time programs) or in an LLM program.
• Applicants must qualify either for course credit, work as part of a law school’s externship program, or participate in a school-sponsored public interest program. Applicants will need to coordinate with their school or other applicable institutions to meet this requirement.
• Applicants must commit to at least 15 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks and up to 12 weeks.
• A demonstrated interest in health care law and public service is a plus.
Application Deadline and Process:
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through April 16, 2021. Submit cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and five-page legal writing sample. Please submit all materials as a single .pdf file. A committee of attorneys reviews the applications and selects candidates for telephone interviews, if necessary. Selected candidates must pass a background investigation and receive security clearance prior to beginning the internship.
Submit applications by email: OCIG.LawClerks@oig.hhs.gov