Summer Internship Program
The Summer Internship Program is an eight weeklong unpaid program. The 2025 Program runs from Monday, June 2 to Friday, July 25. Our intent is for the intern to become an extension of their mentor and to make a vital contribution to the functioning of the office.
Law student interns are assigned to one of the legal divisions, participating fully in that section’s day-to-day activities. The interns will conduct legal research; draft memoranda, pleadings, and other documents; assist in organizing and collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses; and accompany attorneys to client meetings, board meetings, hearings, and court proceedings.
Attorney 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 with their application.
Undergraduate and graduate interns are assigned to work alongside our professional staff sections, participating in that section’s day-to-day activities. Professional staff interns will gain real-world experience working on various projects, helping to develop and improve processes, and contributing to team initiatives.
About the Office of the Attorney General
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, 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 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.
Legal Divisions
Civil Litigation Division includes the following sections: Consumer Protection, Health Professions, the Office of Civil Rights, Insurance and Utilities Regulation, Trial, Employment, Workers' Compensation, and the Division of Debt Collection.
Criminal Justice and Public Safety 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, Computer Crimes, and Actual Innocence and Special Investigations.
Government Operations and Transactions includes the following sections: Transportation and Construction Litigation, Environment, Financial Law and Government Support, Real Estate and Land Use, and Technology and Procurement.
Health, Education and Social Services Division includes the following sections: Education, Health Services, Medicaid and Social Services, and 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 with regard to constitutional and appellate issues.
Professional Staff Division
Executive Administration: This division includes the following sections: Executive Management, Media and Press, Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, Constituent Services, and Programs and Outreach.
The application period for the summer program is now CLOSED.
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 Monday, July 21 to Friday, July 25.
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:
Educational Sessions: Participate in interactive learning sessions covering various legal topics including civil rights law, criminal justice reform, public policy, and more, led by experts in their respective fields.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with notable law firms and esteemed attorneys during learning sessions and panel discussions, gaining valuable insights into the legal profession.
Professional Development: Engage in workshops focused on developing essential skills for success in the legal profession including communication, writing, and professionalism.
Exclusive Access: Gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes tours of government institutions, meetings with influential legal professionals, opportunities to observe legal proceedings firsthand, providing a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape.
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.
The application period for the Oliver Hill Extern Program is now CLOSED.