Government Affairs Intern

K&L Gates; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

K&L Gates LLP is offering a Fall 2026 Government Affairs Internship in Washington, DC. The program provides undergraduates with hands-on experience in federal policy and the federal legislative process within the Public Policy and Law Practice.

As an intern, you will support policy professionals, monitor current events, and contribute to briefing materials and research projects that inform clients and attorneys.

Qualifications

• Current college student with an interest in federal legislation, policy and politics.
• Must possess strong communication and organizational skills.
• Must be highly motivated.

Responsibilities

• Assisting Government Affairs Specialists and other policy professionals.
• Monitoring press and Capitol Hill publications for topics of interest to clients.
• Assisting with projects, including research, creating charts and legislation, policy and politics.
• Compiling briefing books for attorneys and clients.
• Delivering and retrieving documents from Capitol Hill for the firm and clients.
• Attending Congressional hearings.

Skills

Federal legislation interest

Policy & politics

Strong communication

Strong organizational skills

Highly motivated

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

Internet resources

Job description

Job Description

At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.

Job Summary

The global law firm of K&L Gates LLP is seeking Government Affairs Interns for our Fall 2026 program. The K&L Gates Lloyd Meeds Policy Fellowship Program is a semester-long opportunity for undergraduate students to work in the K&L Gates Public Policy and Law Practice in Washington, DC. Students will be able to actively participate in the policy affairs of the firm and to learn about the federal political process.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Sr. Government Affairs Specialist, Government Affairs Specialists, Lawyers and Lobbyists.

Essential Duties

• Assisting Government Affairs Specialists and other policy professionals
• Monitoring press and Capitol Hill publications for a variety of topics and issues of interest to clients
• Assisting with projects, including conducting research, creating charts and legislation, policy and politics
• Compiling briefing books, relating to a broad range of issues for attorneys and clients
• Delivering and retrieving documents from Capitol Hill for the firm and clients
• Attending Congressional hearings

Experience & Skills Required

• Must be a current college student with an interest in federal legislation, policy and politics
• Must possess strong communication and organization skills
• Must be highly motivated
• Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Internet and electronic information sources that are beneficial

Additional Abilities Required

• This job operates in an office setting and is largely sedentary, requiring the routine use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The ability to open file cabinets, lift files, bend and stand on a stool may also be required.

HOURLY COMPENSATION RATE: $18.40

The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.

About The Firm

K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.

The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.

For more information or to view other job opportunities, please click here to go back to our careers page.

Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.

Please be advised that this position requires successful completion of a background check. In accordance with the Washington State Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act, and applicable law qualified California and Washington State applicants with criminal history records will be considered. A criminal history will not categorically exclude a candidate from employment, and the Firm will consider relevant factors before making employment decisions based on criminal history information.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Firm that employment decisions shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of a person’s race (including traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, familial status, domestic violence victim status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm’s policy to provide an environment that is free of prohibited harassment of any kind including, without limitation, that which is based on sex, race, age, disability, ethnic background, or any other category protected by law (including the categories listed above). The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact [e-mail] .