Legal Intern: Summer 2027

NYSERDA; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

NYSERDA seeks a current law student for a paid internship or unpaid externship during Summer 2027. You will split time between in-office work in Albany, Buffalo, or New York City and remote work, with up to 18.5 hours weekly during the semester and up to 37.5 hours in breaks.

Responsibilities include legal research on energy efficiency and climate issues, reviewing documents, assisting in contracting provisions, and handling FOIA requests, all while upholding equity and inclusion in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Current student in an accredited law school with the ability to work in-person part-time.
• Proficiency in legal research and strong written communication.
• Experience with MS Office and legal research tools like Lexis Advance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and write on energy efficiency, climate, and related law.
• Review documents and research nuclear waste and West Valley issues.
• Assist attorneys with contracting provisions and drafting documents.
• Respond to FOIA requests and subpoenas as needed.
• Support other tasks and demonstrate inclusive, respectful collaboration.

Skills

Legal research

Written communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Currently enrolled in accredited law school

Tools

Lexis Advance

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a leader in advancing New York's energy transition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has remained a credible, objective and trusted partner in our state's energy planning as well as deploying new and innovative technologies to expand New York's economy. NYSERDA has worked for the past 50 years to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, lower energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA engages with stakeholders including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York's clean energy economy.
• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
• Enable New York's communities and residents to benefit equitably in the clean energy transition.

Internship Overview

This is a paid internship or unpaid externship for current students at an accredited law school. The pay rate is from $18 to $20 per hour based on current class year. This internship or externship will be for Summer 2027, typically June through August.

Interns must be located in New York State or an immediately adjacent state while working. It is expected that interns will follow our telework policy, with a combination of in-office (Albany, Buffalo, or New York City) and remote work. Interns work up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester, and up to 37.5 hours per week between semesters, when not attending classes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct research and writing pertaining to energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy resiliency, building codes, product standards, and climate change, as well as issues concerning the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the Freedom of Information Law, the Open Meetings Law, the State Ethics Law, and any other matter that might come before Counsel's Office
• Review documents and conduct research regarding nuclear waste and environmental issues concerning the Western New York Nuclear Service Center (West Valley)
• Assist attorneys in researching contracting provisions and preparing and reviewing various contracting documents
• From time to time, assist in preparation of responses to Freedom of Information Law requests and other information requests including subpoenas
• Perform other tasks as assigned
• Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current student, attending an accredited law school
• Must have the ability to work in-person at NYSERDA's Albany or NYC location half-time

Additional Qualifications

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, Lexis Advance, and other legal research resources
• Demonstrated ability to research primary and secondary sources
• Skill in managing multiple activities, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment
• Strong work ethic

Please note that during the application process, you may be prompted to opt-in to Artificial Intelligence ("AI") scoring. This is an automatic request in the ADP system but is not a feature that is used by NYSERDA in its recruiting and hiring process. Your response will have no impact on your application to NYSERDA.