Student Volunteer

Unpaid internships with CFTC are offered year-round and can last from 12 weeks to 12 months. Duties vary based on the department and/or office in which the intern is placed. CFTC's Internship Program offers valuable experience that contributes to educational and professional growth, and may be applied in any future employment endeavor, including federal, state and local governments or in the private sector.

Internships may begin as early as January 2026.

Qualifications:

To meet the Student Volunteer requirements:

1. You must be a student accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled and in good standing as a J.D. or LL.M candidate in an ABA accredited law school on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled); AND
2. Completed at least one (1) year of law school by requested start date.

All Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.) Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants may verify accreditation at the following website: Accreditation. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by OPM accordingly.

***All applications must be received via www.usajobs.gov***

Responsibilities:

Position: Law students currently enrolled and in good standing as a J.D. or LL.M candidate in an ABA accredited law school.

The CFTC offers substantive work that gives interns an opportunity to demonstrate their skills through work experience. Interns assist the CFTC with tasks set out by various teams, such as research, data capturing and working closely with different team members to learn more about the Commission. Students will be assigned to work with CFTC staff members on projects and assignments that cover a broad range of the Commissions’ work.

The CFTC offers substantive legal work that provides interns an opportunity to demonstrate their writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.  Law students will be assigned to work with CFTC staff members on projects and assignments that cover a broad range of the Commissions’ work.

Interns may be assigned to one of the following Divisions or Offices:

Chairman/Commissioner's Office

Five Commissioners administer the CFTC, all Commissioners are appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The President designates one of the Commissioners to serve as Chairman. The Chairman and Commissioners sponsor advisory committees as well as provide market oversight. 

Duties of a legal intern may include:

• Researching and analyzing market issues
• Drafting memos summarizing research and briefing the Chairman or Commissioner
• Drafting public statements
• Attending meetings with market participants

Division of Enforcement (DOE)

DOE investigates and prosecutes alleged violations of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations by filing complaints in the U.S. District Court. The Division also provides expert help and technical assistance with case development and trials. 

Duties of a legal intern may include:

• Researching and writing legal memoranda, including pleadings and papers
• Reviewing and analyzing evidence in ongoing investigations
• Assisting attorneys in preparing investigative testimony, depositions, and discovery

Division of Market Oversight (DMO)

DMO fosters open, transparent, fair, competitive, and secure markets through oversight of derivatives platforms, specifically, designated contract markets (DCMs) and swap execution facilities (SEFs). 

Duties for the Compliance Branch law student intern include working under the supervision of a special counsel includes:

• Assist in examining and assessing the adequacy of DCM and SEF self-regulatory and rule enforcement programs.
• Help in reviewing and assessing DCM designation and SEF registration applications for demonstration of an applicant’s ability to comply with the Commodity Exchange Act and Commission regulations.
• Review and analyze SEF Annual Compliance Reports and draft a summary memorandum.
• Review and analyze DCM and SEF rules as assigned.

Market Participants Division (MPD)

MPD provides oversight in derivatives market intermediaries, including commodity pool operators, commodity trading advisors, futures commission merchants, introducing brokers, major swap participants, retail foreign exchange dealers, and swap dealers, as well as designated self-regulatory organizations. 

Duties of a legal intern may include:

• Assisting with technical analyses of intricate regulations and industry governing activities
• Preparing legal reports and analytical fact summaries
• Reviewing documents, and conducting background and factual research on swap dealers and futures market intermediaries

Office of International Affairs (OIA)

OIA is responsible for overseeing how the CFTC interacts with its foreign counterparts in multilateral and bilateral fora, assisting the Chairman, Commissioners and staff of the CFTC in analyzing the implications of regulatory policies, advising the CFTC on supervisory cooperation issues, and providing technical assistance to foreign authorities.  

Duties of a legal intern may include:

• Researching, analyzing, and monitoring relevant international standards as well as legislative proposals, statutes, regulatory requirements, advisories, guidance, and market developments
• Collaborating with OIA staff members in the preparation of briefing memoranda and presentation materials in connection with international meetings attended by the Chairman and senior CFTC staff
• Assisting and joining CFTC staff in meetings and discussions with external stakeholders and drafting related summaries and analysis