Legal Intern (Summer 2027)

desri-careers; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 102,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Paid internship

Job summary

DESRI seeks talented, intellectually curious, and highly motivated JD students to join our Summer 2027 internship program. The 10-week internship runs June through August, supporting the Legal team that collaborates with development, financing, acquisition, construction, and operation across the renewable energy portfolio.

Interns will gain exposure to trademark, transactional, and commercial matters, work with mentors, attend events, and present their work to colleagues at summer’s end.

Qualifications

• Candidates should be currently enrolled in a JD program with strong academic and/or professional achievement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and close attention to detail are essential.
• Ability to collaborate in small, cross-functional teams, manage multiple priorities, and thoughtfully address unfamiliar legal and commercial questions.

Responsibilities

• Support DESRI's Legal team on projects involving development, acquisition, financing, construction, and operation of renewable energy assets.
• Conduct legal research, review and help prepare transaction and project documentation, support due diligence, and assist with legal issues across the portfolio.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

JD program

Job description

About DESRI

DESRI (formerly D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments) is a market-leading owner and operator of renewable energy projects throughout the United States. We have acquired or developed approximately 13 gigawatts of contracted capacity across a portfolio of over 85 renewable energy projects in 24 states.

At DESRI, our culture is grounded in rigorous analytics and thoughtful risk-taking, with a strong emphasis on creativity, intellectual curiosity, and continuous improvement. We operate with lean teams that prioritize efficiency and minimize unnecessary bureaucracy, enabling individuals to take ownership and move quickly. We value open, constructive dialogue and believe it leads to better outcomes. Above all, we are driven to go the extra mile and support one another, fostering a collaborative environment built on accountability, integrity, and care.

About the role

DESRI seeks talented, intellectually curious, and highly motivated law students to join our Summer 2027 internship program. The internship is a 10-week program that runs from June through August, depending on academic calendars.

The Legal Internship serves DESRI’s Legal team, which works closely with teams throughout the organization to support the development, financing, acquisition, construction, operation, and management of DESRI’s renewable energy portfolio.

The internship offers an opportunity to gain exposure to the legal and commercial issues involved in renewable energy transactions and projects while working alongside experienced legal and business professionals. Throughout the summer, interns will work closely with mentors and project managers who will support their professional development. Interns will also have opportunities to collaborate across DESRI, participate in learning and intern events, visit an operating renewable energy asset, and present their work to colleagues at the end of the summer.

What you’ll do

You’ll support members of DESRI’s Legal team on projects involving the development, acquisition, financing, construction, and operation of renewable energy assets.

Your work may include conducting legal research; reviewing, analyzing, and helping prepare transaction and project documentation; supporting due diligence; and assisting with legal issues arising from DESRI’s portfolio of projects in development, under construction, and in operation.

Depending on business needs, you may gain exposure to matters involving project development, acquisitions and dispositions, debt and tax equity financings, power purchase and other offtake arrangements, engineering and construction agreements, equipment procurement, real estate, interconnection, corporate matters, and other commercial agreements.

You’ll work with colleagues across Legal and other DESRI teams to understand the commercial context surrounding legal questions and help develop practical solutions to issues affecting renewable energy investments and projects.

Qualifications

• Candidates should be currently enrolled in a JD program and have a strong record of academic and/or professional achievement.
• Intellectually curious individuals with excellent written and verbal communication abilities, strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and close attention to detail will excel in this role.
• The ability to collaborate effectively within small, cross-functional teams, manage multiple priorities, and approach unfamiliar legal and commercial questions thoughtfully is vital to this role.
• Candidates should demonstrate an interest in transactional law, renewable energy, project finance, infrastructure, corporate law, or related areas.
• Prior experience in renewable energy is helpful but not required; a demonstrated interest in learning about the industry is strongly preferred.
• JD interns will be paid $10,000 per month with a $5,000 housing stipend.