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 ABOUT THE U.S. TRUSTEE PROGRAM

The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders―debtors, creditors, and the public. The USTP is a national program with 21 regions consisting of 83 field offices, and has broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authorities in bankruptcy cases, including chapter 7 and 13 consumer cases, family farmer chapter 12 cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate reorganizations. 

 

OPPORTUNITIES

The USTP seeks to host paralegal interns during the Summer 2026 session, June - August, throughout its 83 field offices.

We invite you to visit the USTP's Web site at U.S. Trustee Program | Department of Justice for more information.

 

DESCRIPTION

Paralegal interns will assist office staff with a variety of tasks related to administrative and legal support services, and legal research.

The typical duties of a paralegal intern include:

  • Assist with a variety of paralegal support assignments relating to bankruptcy cases.
  • Provide support on assignments that generally involve the form, content, and processing of legal documents and the procedures involved in storing and retrieving case information.
  • Provide trial and deposition support to include the organizing and creation of exhibits.
  • Conduct factual research related to public corporations and corporate grievances. Verify citations and legal references. Format, edit, and proofread documents.
  • Review bankruptcy petitions, schedules, and statements to identify fraud or abuse. 
  • Observe Initial Debtor Interviews, 341 Meetings of Creditors, and court hearings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates will be recent graduates, attending an accredited college or university, or an accredited paralegal program. The ideal candidate will have excellent research skills, show attention to detail, desire to work as part of a small team of professionals, and be committed to fairness and integrity in the administration of the bankruptcy system.

During the Summer 2026 session interns must generally commit to 32-to-40 hours per week for at least 10 weeks, from June - August. However, specific hours will be determined by each office, and some flexibility is available. 

Prior to entry on duty, all interns must undergo a suitability determination based on information provided in their security forms, a credit report, and a fingerprint check. This process can take several weeks.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is an uncompensated internship. Academic credit and transit subsidies are available.

Some colleges and universities offer fellowships, grants, and other sources of funding to students participating in unpaid government or public service internships. In most cases, the USTP will participate in such programs when brought forward by an intern or school representative. 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume (not to exceed TWO (2) pages), and any relevant transcripts and certifications via email to ustp.internships@usdoj.gov. All documents should be in one PDF.

Applicants must indicate their preferred location of interest in the email subject line and within their cover letter. Applicants may designate more than one office. The USTP field office locator is available here.

The application period for the Summer 2026 session ends on January 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and positions may be filled prior to the final deadline.