The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an independent, quasi-judicial agency whose mission is to protect the Merit System 

Principles and promote an effective Federal workforce free of Prohibited Personnel Practices.

U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, 1615 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20419

INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

LAW CLERK (VOLUNTEER STUDENT INTERN)

Locations: MSPB Regional and Field Offices November 2022

Start/End Dates: Flexible

Deadline: Until filled

Salary: Unpaid

What is the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board?

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) serves as guardian of the Federal

Government’s merit-based system of employment. The mission of the MSPB is to “protect the 

Merit System Principles and promote an effective Federal workforce free of prohibited 

personnel practices.” Visit https://www.mspb.gov/about/about.htm to learn more about 

MSPB’s mission and its functions.

What do the regional offices do?

The MSPB regional offices serve the Board’s mission through its administrative judges who hear 

and decide appeals from Federal employees of personnel actions. MSPB administrative judges 

also decide cases involving benefits to Federal annuitants, improper political activities by 

government employees, claims of reprisal for whistleblowing, and unlawful discrimination.

Where are internships available?

The MSPB has regional and field offices in eight major U.S. metropolitan areas: Atlanta, 

Chicago, Dallas, Denver, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Visit 

https://www.mspb.gov/about/contact.htm for details on each office’s contact information and 

jurisdiction. Administrative judges and a chief administrative judge in each location hear and 

decide appeals from Federal employees, applicants for Federal employment, and Federal 

annuitants, in accordance with the Board’s jurisdiction. Federal employees may appeal removal 

actions, demotions, or disciplinary suspensions. Appeals may also concern noteworthy issues 

of whistleblower protection, veteran’s preference rights, or prohibited discrimination. 

Administrative judges also conduct settlement conferences and prehearing conferences, issue 

Board orders, resolve discovery disputes, issue subpoenas, conduct formal Board hearings and 

issue initial decisions for the Board.
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What do interns in the regional offices do?

Interns work under the direct supervision of the chief administrative judges and conduct legal 

research, draft orders, review transcripts and case files, make routine calls to the parties, 

observe and assist administrative judges during their conferences and hearings, and draft initial 

decisions. Interns are expected to work on-site at the regional or field office as circumstances 

permit.

Are interns paid? Is academic credit available?

Internships are unpaid volunteer positions. However, if applicable, we are happy to provide the 

documentation required for academic credit upon satisfactory completion of the internship. A 

public transportation subsidy may also be available if applicable.

Do the regional offices accept first year law students as interns?

Yes, students who will have completed their first year of law school are encouraged to apply.

When are positions available?

Positions are available throughout the year for students currently enrolled in an academic 

program.

How do interested students apply?

We require a resume, writing sample, one or two references, and an interview. A first-year 

legal research and writing document is an acceptable writing sample. Your references should 

be able to attest to your legal skills. You may submit your application materials by mail, fax, or 

email to the attention of the chief administrative judge in the location of interest. A transcript 

will be required if selected. Contact information for each regional and field offices is listed 

here: https://www.mspb.gov/about/contact.htm.