Volunteer/Unpaid Interns, Fall 2011
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, Torts Branch
Office of Constitutional and Specialized Torts
Office of Vaccine Litigation
Washington, DC
 
About the Office:  The Vaccine Litigation Group represents the interests of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in all cases filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act.  The cases involve claims of injury as a result of the receipt of certain vaccines.  
 
Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The Vaccine Litigation Group is currently seeking undergraduate students for a limited number of Fall 2011 volunteer (unpaid) internships. 
 
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a science background or interest in medicine who wants to explore a career in the law and gain practical experience prior to law school.  The Civil Division is the largest litigating component in the Department of Justice, representing over one hundred federal agencies in complex civil litigation
 
This specific position is within the Office of Vaccine Litigation within the Constitutional and Specialized Torts section of the Torts Branch.  The successful candidate will be responsible for performing factual, legal, and medical research in assigned cases; analyzing and evaluating scientific and medical information, including medical records and literature, and preparing draft memoranda; drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; communicating with medical experts; organizing and writing synopses for use by attorneys; drafting correspondence; verifying citations and legal references on prepared legal documents; providing assistance in preparation for hearings; monitoring cases, and performing other duties as assigned. 
 
More information about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program can be found at http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/.  Interns should be able to provide approximately 12-16 hours of service a week for a period of at least 12 weeks. 
 
Qualifications:  Applicants must be either incoming juniors or seniors.  The office is particularly interested in candidates with science backgrounds and coursework, although a science background is not required.  Strong work ethic.  Research and analytical ability.  Computer literate.  Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Previous legal experience a plus.  U.S. citizenship is required.
 
Salary: The positions are unpaid.  
 
Location: Convenient downtown location in Washington, DC, walking distance to several metro stations, restaurants, and retail.
 
Application Process and Deadline Date: Application materials must be postmarked by the deadline date of August 3, 2011. Please reference Vacancy Announcement #2-VIN-F11 in the cover letter.  Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample, preferably by e-mail, to:
 
Chrysovalantis P. Kefalas, Esq.
Co-Director, Law Clerk Program/
Trial Attorney
Office of Vaccine Litigation
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Washington, D.C. 20044
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Any e-mail attachments should be sent as .pdf files.  No telephone calls please.