INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Legal Extern, ODC

CompanyDistrict of Columbia Bar
LocationWashington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 9, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The extern will conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and assist in preparing for hearings and interviews. They will also manage case files and perform administrative duties to support the litigation division.
Internship Type
seasonal part time
Company Size
168
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
20 hours
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About The Company
Since 1972 the District of Columbia Bar has been enhancing access to justice, improving the legal system, and empowering lawyers to achieve excellence. It is the fastest-growing unified bar in the United States, with more than 118,000 members in all 50 states and in 85 countries and territories around the world. To learn more about how the D.C. Bar serves its members and the larger legal community, visit www.dcbar.org.
About the Role

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) investigates allegations of unethical conduct against attorneys licensed in the District of Columbia. This position will support and be supervised by an attorney in ODC’s litigation division. The student must be enrolled in a for-credit externship program. The position is expected to begin July 2026 and run through September 2026. This is an hourly position working up to 20 hours per week. The ODC will review and sign contracts necessary for course credit. This is an unpaid position.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conducts in-depth research on various legal issues, case law, statutes, and regulations. Externs often summarize their findings in memoranda.
  • Assists in preparing legal documents, such as motions, pleadings, charging documents, and briefs. Externs may also draft correspondence and other legal writings.
  • Participates in witness and respondent interviews, gathers facts, and helps prepare witnesses for hearing appearances. 
  • Observes hearings and oral arguments. Externs often take notes and are expected to discuss the cases with their supervising attorney.
  • Assists with organizing and managing electronic and paper case files, including hearing exhibits.
  • Participates in meetings with experts, witnesses, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders.
  • Performs administrative duties related to case management, such as filing, photocopying, and organizing documents.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Successfully completed at least one year of undergraduate coursework.
  • Successfully completed a university-level textual analysis and writing course.
  • Record of academic accomplishment.
  • Strong research and analytical skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Pro.
  • Effectively communicates verbally and in writing.
  • Works well in a team environment and interacts professionally with staff, hearing committees, witnesses, opposing counsel, the Board on Professional Responsibility, the courts, and the public.
  • Successfully works in a fast-paced environment with the ability to manage competing priorities to meet deadlines consistently.
  • Must work well under pressure, possess excellent time-management and organization abilities, and successfully manage daily tasks.
  • Must be adaptable, creative, detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and self-motivated.
  • Able to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information.


HOW TO APPLY

 

Interested students must submit the following:


  • Résumé and cover letter indicating interest and dates of availability
  • A writing sample – 3 to 5 pages in length
  • An unofficial transcript


 

This is not a hybrid position, and requires the student to be onsite for the duration of the externship. The status of this position may change at any time, subject to the ODC’s discretion.


This is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position. Job duties may change over time based on organizational/department needs. 


The ODC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.


The ODC is committed to providing qualified individuals with reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their jobs, pursuant to applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact Human Resources at HR@dcbar.org. 


As part of the accommodation process, we will conduct an individualized interactive process and may ask you for additional information. Additionally, any final hiring decisions or start dates may be delayed while the accommodation review process is ongoing if the individual is unable to begin work without the requested accommodation.

Key Skills
Legal ResearchLegal WritingCase ManagementTextual AnalysisMicrosoft 365Adobe ProFact GatheringInterviewingOrganizationTime ManagementConfidentialityCommunication
Categories
LegalGovernment & Public SectorAdministrative