Internship Program
The Attorney General is the chief executive officer of the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Law. He and his staff represent the interests of the Commonwealth in all civil cases naming the Commonwealth or any of its agencies or officials as a party, and in criminal cases on appeal to the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. In cases involving federal law, the Attorney General represents the Commonwealth's interests before the federal courts.
The Attorney General is also the legal advisor to the Governor and more than 200 state agencies, boards, commissions and institutions. He renders official opinions on the application of the law upon the written request of the Governor, members of the General Assembly, members of the judiciary, state officials, and local constitutional officers.
The Office of the Attorney General is one of the largest law firms in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Office is organized into five legal Divisions: Civil Litigation; Criminal Justice and Public Safety; Government Operations and Transactions; Health, Education, and Social Services; and the Solicitor General's Office. Each is headed by a Deputy Attorney General reporting directly to the Chief Deputy Attorney General, an appointee of the Attorney General.
Generally, each staff attorney advises and represents one or more state agencies. In this capacity, he or she will be involved in representing the agency in litigation and before various legislative and administrative bodies; in drafting and reviewing legislation and regulations; and in providing day-to-day legal advice and counsel to agency staff. Staff attorneys have significant responsibilities for the conduct of the matters to which they are assigned. Our goal is to develop and maintain a staff of highly skilled professionals dedicated to serving the public interest. Law student interns are assigned to various staff attorneys within the legal divisions and can expect to participate fully in the day-to-day activities of the Division.
Interns who qualify under the Third-Year Practice Rule may have the opportunity to participate in that program and should include a copy of the Certificate in their applicant package.
Our intent is for the intern to become an extension of the staff attorney or Section staff and to make a vital contribution to the functioning of the Office. We offer a Volunteer Summer Intern Program for which we ask for a commitment of eight weeks of full-time volunteer service, and a Clinical Intern Program in which students earn credit towards their law degree. The 2024 summer internship program runs from June 3 to July 26.
Oliver Hill Externship Program
Are you a student attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and looking for a unique opportunity to gain valuable legal experience? Look no further! We are thrilled to announce the Oliver Hill Extern Program, a prestigious program designed exclusively for HBCU students interested in learning more about a career in law. This is a one-week summer program running from July 22nd through the 26th, 9:00am to 3:00pm each weekday.
About the Oliver Hill Extern Program:
The Oliver Hill Extern Program is a highly competitive program that provides HBCU students with an immersive and enriching experience in the legal field. Named after the renowned civil rights attorney Oliver Hill, this program aims to honor his legacy and promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Program Highlights:
Real-World Legal Experience: Selected participants will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced attorneys and gain hands-on experience in various legal areas.
Mentorship: Each extern will be paired with a mentor, an accomplished legal professional who will provide guidance, support, and career advice throughout the program.
Professional Development: Engage in workshops, seminars, and networking events designed to enhance your legal skills and expand your professional network.
Community Engagement: Contribute to community service initiatives and make a positive impact in the local community.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Oliver Hill Extern Program, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled as a student at an HBCU.
- Have a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in pursuing a legal career.
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Show a commitment to social justice and equality.
Applications for the Oliver Hill Externship Program will open in March 2024.
Summer Internship
Civil Litigation Division: This Division includes the following Sections: Consumer Protection, Health Professions, Human Rights, Insurance and Utilities Regulatory, Trial, Employment Law, Workers' Compensation, and Division of Debt Collection
Criminal Justice and Public Safety Division: This Division includes the following Sections: Correctional Litigation, Criminal Appeals, Health Care Fraud and Elder Abuse, Major Crimes and Emerging Threats, Sexually Violent Predators, Tobacco Enforcement, and Computer Crimes.
Government Operations and Transactions: This Division includes the following Sections: Construction Litigation, Environmental Law, Financial Law and Government Support, Real Estate and Land Use; Technology and Procurement; and Transportation.
Health, Education and Social Services Division: This Division includes the following Sections: Education, Health Services, Medicaid and Social Services, and Division of Child Support Enforcement.
Solicitor General's Office: This small division handles appellate matters in which the constitutionality of a state statute, regulation, or policy is challenged, manages the Office's process for filing and joining amicus briefs, and assists other divisions of the Office regarding constitutional and appellate issues.