Internship Program
Develop Skills. Build Networks. Make an Impact.
Are you a law student interested in regulatory law, public policy, or championing the voice of small businesses at the federal level? The Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration invites current law students to apply for its enriching legal internship program.
About Our Office
The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) of the U.S. Small Business Administration is the independent voice for small businesses and entities within the executive branch, the watchdog for the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and a resource for small business statistics and research.
Employment Type: Internship, Unpaid
Location: Washington, D.C.
Apply by: Open until filled
Duties and Responsibilities
As a legal intern, you will work alongside experienced attorneys at the heart of federal regulatory policymaking. You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Conduct substantive legal research and draft memoranda and policy documents.
- Attend congressional hearings, legislative meetings, and interagency working groups.
- Engage directly with small business leaders, trade associations, and agency partners during the regulatory review process.
Signature Capstone Project
Each legal intern pursues a capstone research project on a policy issue that fuels their passion and aligns with Advocacy’s mission. Recent projects have addressed hot topics such as artificial intelligence, environmental regulation, and federal procurement. Advocacy attorneys support interns throughout the project and ensure each intern leaves with a polished writing sample for their portfolio.
Academic Credit & Details
Although this position is unpaid, Advocacy collaborates with law schools to facilitate course credit or externship requirements where possible. Flexible arrangements make it easy to integrate this valuable experience into your academic schedule.
How to Apply
Interested individuals should email the following (with ‘Internship’ in the subject line) to Janis Reyes at janis.reyes@sba.gov:
- Cover letter
- Résumé
- Short writing sample
Please review our website, advocacy.sba.gov, for more information about Advocacy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Janis Reyes at 202-798-5798.
Need assistance?
If you need assistance navigating the application or interview process due to a qualifying disability or medical condition, please email the Office of Advocacy, and someone from our team will contact you directly.
About Us
At Advocacy, we are dedicated to advocating for small businesses in the U.S. and fostering a favorable regulatory environment. As an independent office, we play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions affecting small entities, working closely with federal agencies, Congress, and the public.
Our team supports small businesses by providing expertise, conducting research, and representing their interests during regulatory processes. Advocacy is a great place to build a meaningful career, offering opportunities for professionals to contribute to the growth and success of small businesses across the nation. Explore current openings and join the mission to make a significant impact on the U.S. economy.
Location
You’ll work full-time from our D.C. office at the U.S. Small Business Administration headquarters located at 409 3rd Street SW, Washington, D.C., just steps away from the Federal Center SW Metro stop.
The Office of Advocacy offers SmartTrip commuter subsidy benefits.
EEO Statement
We’re committed to inclusive, accessible hiring. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, let us know.