Kara Sears
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers internships to law students, providing them with valuable experience and the opportunity to work in various divisions, including the Medicare Operations Division (MOD) and the Civil Remedies Division. These internships are designed to prepare students for a career with HHS, and some positions may even lead to permanent employment. HHS internships are available in different locations, including Texas, where HHS serves over seven million people each month. To be eligible for an HHS legal internship, students must have completed one full year of law school and be pursuing a professional law degree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Internship type | Summer internship program |
| Internship name | Student Trainee (Legal Internship) |
| Internship grade | GS-07 |
| Internship pay | $57,164 - $74,318 per year |
| Internship duration | Not-to-exceed date of August 23, 2025 |
| Internship location | Departmental Appeals Board (DAB), a staff division within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) |
| Internship divisions | Medicare Operations Division (MOD), Civil Remedies Division-HHS/SSA Program (CRD-HHS), Civil Remedies Division-FDA Tobacco Program (CRD-T), or Alternative Dispute Resolution Division (ADR) |
| Internship eligibility | Must have completed one full year of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and be seeking a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) |
| Internship eligibility | Must possess a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale |
| Internship eligibility | First-year law students are preferred |
| Internship eligibility | Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident |
| Internship eligibility | Must be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement |
| Internship eligibility | Must be enrolled in a qualifying educational institution on a full- or half-time basis |
| Internship benefits | Eligible for federal employee benefits (e.g., life, health, and retirement) |
| Internship benefits | May be converted to a permanent position within 120 days of successful completion of the program |
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Application process
The Departmental Appeals Board (DAB), a staff division within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), offers summer internship programs for law students. The internship program is designed to give current students valuable experience while preparing for a career with HHS.
To be eligible for the Student Trainee (Legal Internship) position at the GS-07 level, applicants must have successfully completed one full year of study in a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and be seeking a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.). Additionally, applicants must possess a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. It is important to note that graduates of 2025 are not eligible for the Summer Internship Program, and first-year law students are preferred.
The application process for a summer position with HHS involves the following steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Requirements
Before starting the application process, it is essential to review the eligibility and qualification requirements for the specific internship position you are interested in within HHS. Different offices within HHS, such as the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), may have varying requirements for their internship programs. Ensure you meet the minimum qualifications, including citizenship or residency status, academic enrollment, and GPA requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
The application process for HHS summer positions typically requires submitting specific documents. These may include transcripts from your law school, information about your academic performance and grading scale, and, in some cases, responses to short answer questions or essays. Keep your resume handy, as you may need the information on it to fill out the online application form.
Step 3: Create an Account on USAJobs.gov
To apply for a summer position with HHS, you will need to create an account on USAJobs.gov. This account will allow you to search for available internship positions, review qualifications, and submit your application electronically. You can use your profile information on USAJobs.gov to improve your job search results and find positions that match your interests and qualifications.
Step 4: Complete and Submit Your Application
Once you have identified the internship position you wish to apply for, carefully review the required documents and qualifications listed in the announcement. Take the time to prepare your application, as it may involve providing detailed information about your academic and professional background, answering short answer questions, and submitting any necessary essays or writing samples. Submit your completed application, along with all required documents, by the specified deadline.
Step 5: Await Confirmation and Updates
After submitting your application, you may receive an email confirmation from the agency application system. However, it is important to note that not all agencies send email confirmations. It may take a few hours for the agency to update your application status. You can regularly check the status of your application by logging into your USAJobs.gov account.
Step 6: Interview Process
If your application is successful, you may be invited for an interview. The interview process may involve callbacks, and it is important to be prepared for this stage. You can seek advice from career services staff at your law school to guide you through the interview process and help you put your best foot forward.
Step 7: Offer and Conversion to Permanent Position
If you are selected for a summer position with HHS, you will receive an offer. The internship program may last for the duration of your academic program or be appointed for a specific period, such as one year or until your projected graduation date. In some cases, interns may be converted to permanent positions within 120 days of successfully completing the program if they meet certain requirements, such as work experience, supervisor recommendations, and qualification standards.
It is important to note that the application process may vary slightly depending on the specific internship position and the office within HHS. Additionally, some internship programs may have different deadlines or requirements, so it is essential to carefully review the information provided by HHS for the specific summer position you are interested in.
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Requirements
To be considered for a summer position with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a law student, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Firstly, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited law school and be actively pursuing a professional law degree, such as an LL.B. or J.D. It is preferable for applicants to have completed at least one full year of law school, and they must possess a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Official transcripts will be required to verify academic credentials.
Secondly, applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal permanent residents. Non-citizens may apply, but they must obtain U.S. citizenship before conversion to a competitive appointment. Applicants must also be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement.
Additionally, applicants should review the specific practice areas within HHS that align with their legal interests, such as the General Law Division, which covers torts/claims, employment law, government contracts, and information law.
When applying for a summer position, applicants must follow the instructions provided by HHS. Applications should be submitted electronically and include all required documents, such as transcripts and resumes. Applicants may also need to disclose any recent political appointments or request reasonable accommodations during the application process.
It is important to note that summer positions are typically non-temporary, excepted service appointments, lasting for the duration of the academic program in which the intern is enrolled. Interns may be eligible for federal employee benefits, and upon successful completion of the program, they may be converted to permanent positions or term positions lasting 1-4 years.
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Benefits
The Departmental Appeals Board (DAB), a staff division within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), offers law students summer internship positions. These internships provide law students with valuable experience and the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the legal field, specifically in the areas of health and human services.
- Valuable Experience: HHS internships are designed to provide students with valuable experience that will benefit them in their future careers. Law students can gain practical knowledge and skills that cannot be learned in a classroom, making them more competitive in the job market upon graduation.
- Career Preparation: The internship program allows law students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing them for a career in the legal field. They can explore different areas of law, such as Medicare Operations, Civil Remedies, and Alternative Dispute Resolution, to find their area of interest.
- Networking Opportunities: Through internships, law students can build professional connections and network with experienced attorneys and legal professionals within HHS. These connections can provide mentorship, career advice, and potential job opportunities after graduation.
- Enhanced Legal Skills: Law students can develop and enhance their legal skills, such as legal research, writing, and analysis, by working on real-world cases and projects. They can also gain exposure to different legal practices, such as torts, employment law, and government contracts, broadening their legal knowledge.
- Understanding of Government Agencies: HHS internships offer law students the chance to gain insight into the functioning of government agencies, specifically those related to health and human services. This includes understanding the legal framework, policies, and regulations that govern these agencies, which can be invaluable for a future career in public service.
- Potential for Permanent Positions: HHS internships may lead to permanent or term positions within the department. Law students who excel during their internships and meet the necessary requirements may be offered full-time roles, providing a direct pathway to a legal career in the public sector.
- Flexibility: HHS internships can accommodate law students' academic schedules, offering flexibility during seasonal and holiday breaks. This allows students to gain work experience without interrupting their studies, helping them to balance their academic and professional development effectively.
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Divisions
The Departmental Appeals Board (DAB), a staff division within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), offers a summer internship program for law students. The program provides an opportunity for interns to gain valuable experience and prepare for a career with HHS.
The DAB has several divisions where interns can be placed, including:
- Medicare Operations Division (MOD): This division is responsible for overseeing and administering the Medicare program, which provides health insurance to millions of older Americans.
- Civil Remedies Division-HHS/SSA Program (CRD-HHS): The CRD-HHS works to enforce civil remedies and resolve disputes within the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Civil Remedies Division-FDA Tobacco Program (CRD-T): This division focuses on civil remedies and disputes related to the regulation of tobacco products by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Division (ADR): The ADR division promotes and facilitates alternative dispute resolution processes as an alternative to traditional litigation.
In addition to the DAB, HHS is comprised of two major agencies: the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Both agencies offer internship positions to students interested in gaining experience in public service and affecting the lives of Texans.
The Food and Drug Division within HHS is currently accepting applications for summer internships. This division handles legal matters related to food and drug safety, regulation, and compliance with federal laws and regulations.
The General Law Division within HHS covers five discrete practices:
- Torts/Claims: This practice area involves legal issues arising from tort law, including personal injury, property damage, and civil wrongs.
- Employment Law: The division provides legal guidance and support on employment-related matters, such as labor laws, employee rights, and contract disputes.
- Government Contracts: This practice area deals with the legal aspects of government contracting, including bid protests, contract formation, and dispute resolution.
- Information Law: This division handles legal matters related to information privacy, security, and freedom of information requests.
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Conversion to permanent positions
HHS internships are designed to give current students the opportunity to join HHS and gain valuable experience while preparing for a career with the Department of Health and Human Services. HHS internships provide students with engaging and educational experiences. The Departmental Appeals Board (DAB), a staff division within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), is one such example of a division that seeks legal interns for its summer internship program.
To qualify for the Student Trainee (Legal Internship) position, applicants must have successfully completed one full year of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and be seeking a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.). Additionally, applicants must possess a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.
Interns may be converted to permanent positions within 120 days of successful completion of the program. To be eligible for conversion, interns must be U.S. citizens, complete an academic course of study, and complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program. They must also receive a favorable recommendation for conversion in writing from their first-level supervisor and meet the OPM qualification standards for the position.
HHS is made up of two major agencies: the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Both agencies offer internship positions to help students gain experience as public servants. Positions for full-time employment with OCR are posted to USA Jobs at www.usajobs.gov.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Departmental Appeals Board (DAB), a staff division within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), offers a summer internship program for law students.
To qualify for the Student Trainee (Legal Internship) position, applicants must have completed one full year of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and be seeking a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.). A minimum 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale is also required.
HHS internships provide students with engaging and educational experiences. Interns can gain valuable experience and prepare for a career with HHS. Interns may also be converted to permanent positions within 120 days of successfully completing the program.
Students can apply for internships at HHS through the USAJOBS website. Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts, and official transcripts will be required before receiving an official offer.
