Summer Extern

Join to apply for the Summer Extern role at United States Senate Sergeant at Arms .

Posting Date: January 7, 2026 – January 30, 2026

Pay Grade Range: $20.00 per hour

Work Hours: 40 hours per week

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Washington, D.C. (Onsite)

Vacancy announcement closes at 7pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

Job Overview

The Senate Sergeant at Arms (SAA) Office of General Counsel is seeking highly motivated and accomplished law students for its prestigious Summer Legal Externship Program in Washington, D.C. This paid externship offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands‑on legal experience in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment at the heart of the U.S. Senate. As a legal extern with the Office of General Counsel, you will work alongside seasoned attorneys on a broad range of legal matters that impact the operations of the Senate Sergeant at Arms. Externs will gain invaluable insight into the intersection of law, government, and public policy while contributing to high‑level legal analysis and decision‑making processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda.
• Assist in the review and interpretation of legislation, Senate rules, and federal regulations affecting the Senate Sergeant at Arms.
• Support attorneys in preparing legal opinions, policy recommendations, and compliance guidance for senior leadership.
• Observe Senate proceedings, committee hearings, and legal briefings, providing exposure to the legislative process.
• Participate in meetings with internal and external stakeholders on legal matters.

Job Specifications

Required Education

Rising 2L or 3L law student at an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.

Eligible Students Must

• be willing to start the externship assignment no earlier than May 29, and no later than June 26.
• be able to work ten full‑time (40‑hour) work weeks at the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C.
• pass a criminal background investigation.
• demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.

During the application process, summer externs candidates must disclose any family members who currently work for the SAA. While the SAA may hire candidates whose family members work for the SAA, externs must independently meet the SAA’s qualification standards and be selected based upon their own individual merits.

Individuals who have previously held SAA externships are not eligible for a second externship, except with the specific written approval of SAA Human Resources. Candidates must disclose whether they have previously held an externship with the SAA.

Qualifications

• Rising 2L or 3L law student at an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interest in government, public service, and legislative affairs.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter detailing interest in the externship and relevant experience
• Writing Sample (legal research memo or similar work product)
• Law School Transcript (unofficial accepted)

Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor.

Conditions of Employment

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be lawfully admitted for permanent residence and seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C.
• 1324b(a)(3)(B).
• Be (i) admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and (ii) have filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; or
• Owe allegiance to the U.S. (i.e., qualify as a non‑citizen U.S. national under federal law).

Employment is contingent on background/security investigation results.

Benefits At-a-Glance

The SAA provides a highly competitive benefits package for all SAA staff. Our benefits extend beyond health care coverage to help provide employees with student loan reimbursement, professional development, transportation subsidy, TSP/retirement savings, access to our Employee Assistance Program, and more! For more information regarding SAA’s benefits, please visit

Accommodations

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the SAA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with SAA and need special assistance or an accommodation to complete the application process, please submit your request to with “Accommodation” in the subject line.

Veterans Preference

If you are identifying as veterans' preference eligible under the VEOA, please use this link to complete your application for Veterans' Preference AFTER you apply for this position. The link will also be available on the “Thank You” page after you have submitted your job application. Candidates only need to apply one time for veterans’ preference to be considered for all future veterans’ preference positions within the Senate Sergeant at Arms.

• All supporting documents must ONLY be provided within the Veterans’ Preference Application and within the stated deadline of the job announcement.
• Late applications for veterans’ preference will not be considered.
• Documentation to obtain veterans’ preference will not be considered if attached to the job application.
• If you need to revise or resubmit your Application for Veterans' Preference/documents, please withdraw your previous Application for Veterans' Preference and resubmit. If you require assistance, please email
• To view additional information regarding the VEOA, please click here.

An applicant who declines to self‑identify as a disabled veteran and/or to provide information and documentation regarding his/her disabled veteran’s status will not be subjected to an adverse employment action, but the individual may be ruled ineligible for veterans’ preference.