Externship Program
Apply Your Expertise. Shape Federal Policy.
Are you a law student passionate about regulations and ready to build advanced experience in administrative law? The Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration invites applications for its substantive legal externship 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: Externship, Unpaid
Location: Washington, D.C.
Apply by: Open until filled
Duties and Responsibilities
Legal externs step into a central role in federal rulemaking, advocating for the interests of small businesses and other small entities. Under the supervision of Advocacy attorneys, externs:
- Review and analyze their own portfolio of federal regulations, identifying the impact and opportunities for reform.
- Conduct legal research, collaborate with federal agency officials and other policy makers, and coordinate outreach to small business owners.
- Prepare public comments letters to agencies and memoranda as part of the regulatory advocacy process.
- Attend congressional hearings, scholarly conferences, and meetings to represent Advocacy and contribute to policy development.
- Take on office responsibilities parallel to Advocacy attorneys, advancing skills and broadening professional scope.
Academic Credit & Details
This externship is unpaid, but Advocacy works with law schools to ensure course credit or externship recognition. Flexibility is available to accommodate academic schedules and program requirements. Applicants should have completed a course in administrative law and demonstrated some related practical experience.
How to Apply
Interested individuals should email the following (with ‘Externship’ 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.