Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is seeking current law students to serve as Law Clerks for the Fall of 2026. Law Clerks will work with the attorneys on Senator Durbin’s Senate Judiciary Committee team and will be given assignments that involve conducting legal research; drafting memos that analyze case law, statutes, and legislation; attending briefings; and preparing for congressional hearings. Assignments are related to issues that fall under the Senate Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction, including judicial nominations, immigration, civil rights and civil liberties, criminal law and criminal justice reform, constitutional law, antitrust, and intellectual property. While the majority of the work is substantive in nature, law clerks are also assigned some administrative tasks, such as assisting with hearing operations.

The application window is April 20-May 11, 2026, and applications received early will be given preference. Detailed instructions can be found on the application. Students with ties to Illinois or who attend law school in Illinois are strongly encouraged to apply. Members of all diverse communities are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should apply through the Senate Office Application Manager. Applicants are strongly urged to send their materials as soon as possible, as positions fill quickly. Remote clerkships are not available at this time. If you have questions about the Law Clerk Program please email lawclerk_questions@judiciary-dem.senate.gov or call 202.224.7703. All applicants, if accepted, will be eligible for a Senate stipend and may earn academic credit – based solely on each institution’s criteria.