Albany Law School

This is a year-long placement. Note: a writing sample is required for this placement.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is responsible for all litigation on behalf of the United States government including prosecution of violations of federal criminal law and prosecution and defense in civil actions, suits or proceedings in which the government is concerned.  Students placed in the U.S. Attorney's Office will be assigned to work with an individual Assistant U. S. Attorney on selected assignments within that Assistant's criminal, civil or appellate caseload.  Students are encouraged to observe a variety of proceedings and will be exposed to legal research, pleadings, discovery process and motion practice.  Third-year students are eligible to argue motions before the District Court.  The required bi-weekly classroom session will provide a practical introduction to federal courts, federal practice and the role of the U.S. Attorney's Office in law enforcement and as the representative of the various agencies and departments of the United States. 

Each student assigned to the U.S. Attorney's Office must undergo a background investigation by the F.B.I. prior to entry into the program. 

U.S. Attorney Security Clearance Restrictions

Students applying to the U.S. Attorney Placement should be aware of the following:

• Students must be U.S. citizens - by birth or naturalization.
• Male students must have their draft registration numbers.
• Any student whose credit history may reflect overdue and defaulted accounts must be prepared to provide explanation to the U.S. Attorney's Office if the outstanding balance is $300 or less and provide evidence of establishment of a payment plan in the event the outstanding balance is over $300.
• Security clearance paperwork must be submitted to the U.S. Attorney's Office by the due date indicated. Submission delays result in delays in clearances and start date.
• Due to the length of time and expense attached to the security process, students must commit to two semesters with this office for a total of eight credit hours.
• Students must not have a criminal history.