Legal Internship Opportunities
The Office of Employee Advocacy provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specialized legal office serving employees of the U.S. House of Representatives.
ABOUT EMPLOYEE ADVOCACY
The Office of Employee Advocacy provides legal advice and representation to employees of the U.S. House of Representatives under the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA). Our attorneys help clients understand their rights, evaluate legal options, and resolve workplace concerns.
Employee Advocacy takes a resolution-focused approach, helping employees address concerns through advice and negotiation while also providing representation in formal proceedings when necessary. We support employees facing issues like harassment, discrimination, disability accommodations, medical and military leave rights, workplace safety, and wage concerns.
WHY INTERN WITH US?
An internship with Employee Advocacy offers law students the opportunity to:
- Explore employment and labor law in the unique setting of the Legislative Branch: Learn from experienced attorneys about the employment and labor laws that apply to Congress through the CAA.
- Develop Practical Legal Skills: Assist attorneys with real-world workplace issues, including the ones below, and more:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA)
- Client-facing role: Gather facts, manage client files, conduct legal research, and draft briefs and memoranda.
- Public Service Impact: Contribute to substantive workplace rights protection for House employees and improvement of the Congressional workplace.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We welcome applications from current and prospective law students. Ideal candidates have:
- Commitment to public interest, employment law, or workplace rights
- Strong research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
- Excellent organizational abilities and client-focused attention to detail
Prior employment-law experience is not required. We value strong research and writing skills, sound judgment, professionalism, curiosity, and commitment to public service.
HOW TO APPLY
The Office of Employee Advocacy periodically offers internship opportunities during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Employee Advocacy is part of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officers (CAO). Therefore, all internship applications are submitted through the CAO careers system. Applicants can view available positions here.
Internships are typically posted two to three months before each term begins.
The House provides resources to help prospective and current interns explore opportunities and prepare competitive applications.
House Intern Resource Office (HIRO)
HIRO provides guidance on internship applications and resources to help interns acclimate to their role and the House community. Prospective and current interns can also schedule a one-on-one consultation with HIRO.
Office of Talent and Development (OTD)
OTD provides resources and support for individuals interested in pursuing opportunities with the U.S. House of Representatives, including internships and other career-development opportunities. Prospective and current interns can also schedule a one-on-one consultation with OTD.