The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a component federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For over 70 years, CDC has been dedicated to protecting health and promoting quality of life through the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability. CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the United States. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same. To accomplish its mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.
The HHS Office of the General Counsel (HHS OGC), CDC Branch, is responsible for providing legal services to the CDC and to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The office deals with a wide variety of issues, including legal and public health policy issues related to AIDS, vaccine liability, environmental health, occupational safety and health, chronic disease, infectious diseases, emergency response and bioterrorism, to name a few. The office manages CDC's and ATSDR's litigation portfolio in coordination with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), and also provides legal support to business and administrative offices across the agency.
The CDC Branch of HHS OGC provides externs with the opportunity to work on a wide variety of critical and cutting-edge legal issues. OGC provides legal advice and counsel to all Centers, Institutes, and Offices within the agency. Externs will have opportunities to conduct essential legal research and writing, review documents, participate in client meetings, develop client trainings, attend CDC-wide lectures and trainings, and work on litigation and other matters.
Full-time students can combine this placement with a placement in the CDC's Public Health Law Program if the student receives an offer from both offices.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents.
Writing sample required;