A group of part-time student clerks poses with Marie Dove, human-resources specialist for the U.S. Attorney's Office. From left to right: Jorge Falcon, Ashley Hampton, Johana Cruz, Beatrice Bishop, Marie Dove, Daniel McGee, Elias Vega, Brittany Campos and Lillian Gutierrez.

Ten MDC students hired by U.S. Attorney's Office

Ashley Hampton, a 21-year-old business administration major, has been working since the age of 15. She's served as a youth counselor, teller, cashier, promotions assistant and waitress, all jobs that she credits with preparing her for a part-time student-clerk position with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami. Hampton and five other MDC students applied for and secured this position on the MDC Student Employment and Internship Opportunities Online Site, where more than 120 opportunities, including internships, are currently available. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami has hired 45 MDC students since 2003 and is looking for more. "MDC students are very bright and motivated, and are a great asset to the U.S. Attorney's Student Temporary Employment Program. This program gives college students the opportunity to obtain career training and experience while enrolled at MDC,” said Marie Dove, human-resources specialist. Five out of the 10 student clerks hired between 2007 and 2009 were employed using the MDC Student Employment and Internship Opportunities Online Site. The hourly range for part-time student clerks is $11.36 to $13.91.

The mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is to enforce and defend the laws of the United States of America, specifically, the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the Federal government; the prosecution and defense of civil cases in which the United States is a party; and the collection of debts owed the Federal government, which are administratively uncollectible.

Hampton is one of 10 MDC student clerks recently hired by the U.S. Attorney's Office. As a member of the asset forfeiture division, she opens, organizes and prepares case files for closing; files documents with the court, provides receptionist coverage, delivers and collects administrative materials and packages, and interacts daily with law-enforcement agencies. While this may seem like a lot of work to manage while attending college, Hampton says that she has the ideal job. "The U.S. Attorney's Office allows me to be a student first, then an employee. I love the fact that school is a priority to my employer and I can work around my school schedule."

For students completing their MDC education, the U.S. Attorney’s Office provides the opportunity for career advancement. Craig Stafford, 28, began his career at the U.S. Attorney’s Office nine years ago. He started as a student clerk while attending MDC and has since been promoted to a legal assistant. According to Stafford, majoring in criminal justice is not a necessity to working in his profession. In fact, Stafford graduated from MDC in 2007 with a pre-Bachelor of Arts degree. "I was able to secure this job because of the knowledge, skills and experience that I have acquired through my years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

Also helpful were the skills he acquired at MDC. Stafford benefited most from his English courses, which taught him to articulate verbally and in written form, and student-life skills courses in topics such as time management and workplace etiquette.

Stafford is proud of his career at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, an employer that has given him the flexibility to gain an education while attaining legal knowledge. He also likes the organization’s dynamic nature. "I am always learning something new about the criminal-justice system and how it not only affects me, but also the world at large."

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is currently hiring part-time student clerks. To apply for this position, and more than 120 employment opportunities, log on to the MDC Student Employment and Internship Opportunities Online Site. 

For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, visit http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.