Tis the season to begin applying for federal honors programs. Honors programs are short-term commitments (typically two years) with a federal agency that provide training to new attorneys and often lead to a permanent position with the employing agency. These positions are often available only to 3Ls and judicial law clerks, although some programs also accept recent graduates and legal fellows.

Although it is not the only path to entry-level employment with the federal government, participating in an honors program is the most common way for new attorneys to work for a federal agency. To learn more about what your experience level says about you and your chances of working for a federal agency, check out PSJD’s newest resource Eligibility for Entry-Level Employment with the Federal Government.

As deadlines are fast approaching, today we’re focusing on honors programs with agencies currently accepting applications.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works diligently to strengthen the nation’s security by building and maintaining military infrastructure and facilities in an environmentally sustainable way. The Office of the Chief Counsel operates throughout the nation and the world to play a critical role in the planning and execution of Corps projects.

The Office of the Chief Counsel’s Civilian Honors Program trains new attorneys in areas such as contract law, environmental law, fiscal law, litigation, real estate law, legislation, employment law, and more. Honors attorneys may be placed in one of 50 worldwide offices. The program is open to 3Ls, graduating LLM candidates, and judicial law clerks.

Follow this link to learn more.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) works to make markets work for consumers, providers and the economy as a whole. CFPB also protects consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.

The CFPB Honors Attorney Program is a two-year program is hiring for its Office of Enforcement and Office of Supervision Policy where new attorneys will gain experience in litigation, enforcement, policy advising, and rulemaking.

Follow this link to learn more.

U.S. Copyright Office

The U.S. Copyright Office is responsible for administering copyright law and advising Congress on international intellectual property law. The Office assists on drafting legislation and legislative reports, prepares studies for Congress, and maintains a public record of registration claims.

The Barbara A. Ringer Copyright Honors Program is an 18- to 24-month paid legal fellowship that trains new attorneys in federal copyright law. Honors attorneys work in offices including the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Policy and International Affairs. Applications are accepted from current 3Ls and attorneys with fewer than 5 years’ experience.

Follow this link to learn more.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) strives to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation’s financial system. The FDIC achieves its goals by insuring deposits, examining and supervising financial institutions, and managing receiverships.

The FDIC’s Honors Attorney Program trains new attorneys in the legal side of nation’s financial system. Honors Attorneys participate in rulemakings, administrative hearings and meeting with international banking regulators.

Follow this link to learn more.

U.S. Department of Justice

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is the largest law office, employing more than 10,000 attorneys nationwide. The DOJ works in nearly every practice area to protect Americans and preserve constitutional freedoms.

The Attorney General’s Honors Program is the premier entry-level federal attorney recruitment program. Many divisions of the DOJ are participating in the Honors Program this year, including the Civil Rights Division, the Criminal Division, the FBI, the National Security Division, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Follow this link to learn more.

U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor

The Office of the Solicitor (SOL) provides legal counsel for the U.S. Department of Labor. With approximately 550 attorneys, the SOL strives to ensure safe, healthy, and fair working conditions and opportunities for workers in America by enforcing and interpreting more than 150 labor and employment laws.

Honors attorneys spend their time litigating various cases in federal courts and administrative courts. Honors attorneys also gain experience in federal rulemaking and policymaking.

Follow this link to learn more.