ODNI Internship Opportunities For Legal Advice and Counsel (Hinring 2025)

Are you dreaming of a career in intelligence, law, or public service? The Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) offers an incredible internship program for students aiming to explore meaningful opportunities. This program is tailored for ambitious law students eager to gain hands-on experience in national security, government ethics, and a wide range of legal fields. If you’re a recent graduate or current student wanting to kick-start your career, this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Program Overview:

ODNI’s internship positions are open to highly qualified students pursuing a J.D. or LL.M. degree. Duty stations are located in McLean, VA or Bethesda, MD, and interns may work 16–32 hours per week depending on their academic schedules.

What interns can expect:

• Collaborating with senior attorneys to deliver written and oral legal guidance to ODNI leadership.
• Preparing detailed memorandums on pressing legal and policy issues within the Intelligence Community (IC).
• Presenting legal topics to the OGC team and senior ODNI officials.
• Reviewing and revising regulations and internal policies to ensure compliance with U.S. laws.
• Supporting litigation and national security policy initiatives across intelligence agencies.

This internship places you at the forefront of intelligence law, equipping you with the skills needed to thrive in both public service and legal careers.

Requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet these key requirements:

• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen and be living in the United States.
• Security Clearance: A current Top Secret clearance (TS/SCI) based on a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed within the past five years is required. A counterintelligence polygraph is highly preferred.
• Academic Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited J.D. or LL.M. program, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Institutional Approval: Your academic institution must approve your participation in this internship and provide academic credit for the work experience.
• Availability to Work: Interns must agree to follow all ODNI procedures and security guidelines during entry, processing, and the internship period.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate strong research, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Salary and Benefits

ODNI internships follow a voluntary unpaid model, emphasizing the value of experience over monetary compensation. While salary isn’t part of this program, interns have access to an incredibly enriching work environment that offers:

• Immersion in the complex, challenging world of national security law.
• Direct mentorship from attorneys specializing in a variety of legal fields.
• Opportunities to work on sensitive, impactful projects that affect national policies.
• A significant professional network and a resume-building experience that prepares you for future jobs in government or legal careers.

Responsibilities

The ODNI internship is not just about observing—it’s about participating meaningfully. Interns at the OGC are expected to:

• Research legal statutes, case law, and applicable regulations related to national and intelligence community laws.
• Draft and revise legal memorandums and agency policies.
• Develop briefings and present findings to senior ODNI leadership.
• Collaborate with other agencies to ensure transparency and compliance with government regulations.
• Assist in litigation preparation, government ethics training, and administrative law revisions.

You’ll have a chance to work on complex national security issues that are both intellectually stimulating and impactful.

Skills and Experience Required

This internship is a good fit for students who have:

• A genuine interest in public service careers and national security law.
• Strong research skills, with the ability to synthesize legal facts quickly and accurately.
• Excellent communication abilities, with a knack for tailoring complex legal concepts for different audiences.
• Impeccable interpersonal and organizational skills to work independently and collaboratively.

ODNI is looking for motivated individuals who can thrive in high-pressure environments and have the creativity to solve complex problems within a legal framework.

How to Apply

Getting started with an ODNI internship is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Prepare Your Application Materials:

   • Resume summarizing your education, experience, and interest in public service.
   • Official or Unofficial Transcripts to prove you meet the GPA and eligibility criteria.
   • Proof of Enrollment: A letter from your institution confirming that you’re currently enrolled at least part-time.
   • A written statement expressing your interest in the internship and explaining how your skills align with the program’s goals.

2. Submit Your Application:
   Send all your materials directly to the ODNI’s designated internship team. Be sure to include any additional documents specified in the official job posting for the internship.

3. Clear Security Requirements:
   To finalize your placement, candidates must successfully pass a security investigation, including providing information on previous employment and background.

4. Interviews:
   Selected candidates may be interviewed either in person, via telephone, or in a teleconference format. Applicants residing outside the Washington, D.C., area will be accommodated with flexible interview options.

Why Choose ODNI?

If you’re passionate about national security and want a career that challenges you to make a real difference, this internship can be a defining moment. ODNI provides a unique platform for students to work at the intersection of law and intelligence, offering experiences that go far beyond traditional internships.

By becoming an ODNI intern, you’ll join a team dedicated to upholding the nation’s values and protecting the rights of its citizens—all while building the foundation for a rewarding and impactful legal career.

Don’t wait—polish up that resume, gather your documents, and start your job application to ODNI’s legal opportunities today!

Submit Legal Intern Application