Federal Government and Washington, DC Lawyering

The Strauss Center for International Security and Law is launching a new Program on Federal Government and Washington, DC Lawyering to help law students understand and pursue career pathways in federal government and the nation’s capital. The program will provide mentorship, professional connections, and practical guidance for students interested in careers with federal agencies, the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Congress, and law firms in Washington, DC, with a focus on both summer opportunities and postgraduate careers.

Led by Professor Brian Pérez-Daple, the program will connect students with experienced practitioners and mentors who can offer insight into the realities of federal government and DC legal careers. The program will create targeted opportunities for students to build relationships with practitioners and peers, and work closely with Texas Law Career Services to build a broader cohort of students interested in these career paths.

The program will extend beyond the academic year, with a summer cohort-building event and support for students pursuing public-sector opportunities in Washington, DC. Through mentorship, programming, and targeted financial support, the initiative will help students develop the knowledge, networks, and experience needed to launch careers in federal government and Washington’s legal community.