Internship Program

The Clerk’s Office Internship Program provides the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and understanding of how the federal court system operates.  Interns will obtain insight into the inner workings of the Court by sitting in on hearings and trials, reviewing court documents, and learning internal processes and procedures  Participants are given a unique perspective of the judicial system by being able to meet federal judges, attorneys practicing within the federal system, and the Clerk’s Office staff.  They are also able to participate in special ceremonies and events conducted by the Court such as the Naturalization Ceremony held for new citizens.

The Court’s internship program is strictly a volunteer position under the supervision of the Clerk of Court.  Interns are not entitled to any government pay or benefits associated with the Court.  All services are to be rendered solely on a voluntary basis.

Intern duties include:

• Updating files as needed for the work of the Court.
• Assisting in processing incoming mail and preparing outgoing mail.
• Producing correspondence in response to inquiries regarding cases filed in CM/ECF.
• Directing visitors to appropriate offices.
• Copying requested documents.
• Observing court proceedings.
• Preparing informational packets for various cases.
• Answering telephone inquiries.
• Assisting courtroom deputy clerks with exhibit removal and destruction.
• Performing other general clerical office duties as assigned in conjunction with the Court’s agenda.

Minimum Qualifications

The applicant must be a high school graduate or a current high school student participating in a dual-enrollment program by the anticipated start date.  General knowledge of filing, telephone usage, recording keeping, and other clerical tasks is required.  Applicants who are working toward a degree with a concentration in pre-law, criminal justice, political science, history, business administration, English, finance, or related discipline are preferred.  The position requires the commitment to regular attendance, a positive and pleasant attitude, the ability to work efficiently in a team environment, a high energy level, and the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with attorneys and the public while maintaining a high-quality standard of work.

Application Process

Submit one document in PDF format via email to Human_Resources@tned.uscourts.gov that includes a cover letter and a resume.  Incomplete submissions and submissions that are not received in one PDF document may not be considered.

Disclosures

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
• Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified.  The Court is not authorized to reimburse candidates for travel in connection with an interview or pay for any relocation expenses.
• U.S. District Court interns are considered "at will."  The intern can be terminated with or without cause by the Court.  Federal Civil Service classifications and regulations do not apply.
• U.S. District Court interns are required to sign an AO 196A, Acknowledgement of Gratuitous Services and Waiver.
• U.S. District Court interns undergo a mandatory FBI fingerprint check/background investigation and will be considered a provisional selectee pending successful completion of the investigation.
• U.S. District Court interns are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and are subject to strict confidentiality requirements.
• The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement or to withdraw the announcement without written notice to applicants. If a subsequent vacancy of the same position becomes available within a reasonable time of the original announcement, the Court may elect to select a candidate from the original qualified applicant pool.
• The United States District Court is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.