INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Intern - Counsel's Office

CompanyNew York State Energy Research
LocationNew York
Work ModeOn Site
PostedDecember 18, 2025
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Interns will conduct research and writing on various energy-related topics and assist attorneys with legal documents and information requests. They will also perform other tasks as assigned.
Internship Type
internship
Salary Range
$18 - $20
Company Size
688
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
37 hours
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About The Company
Clean energy can power New York while protecting the environment. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, known as NYSERDA, promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. These efforts are key to developing a less polluting and more reliable and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. Collectively, NYSERDA’s efforts aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, accelerate economic growth, and reduce customer energy bills. NYSERDA works with stakeholders throughout New York including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, university researchers, utility representatives, investors, and entrepreneurs. NYSERDA partners with them to develop, invest, and foster the conditions that: ✅ Attract the private sector capital investment needed 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 from energy efficiency and renewable energy Governed by a 13-member Board, NYSERDA has provided objective information and analysis, technical expertise, and support in New York State since 1975. Our Vision: New York is a global climate leader building a healthier future with thriving communities; homes and businesses powered by clean energy; and economic opportunities accessible to all New Yorkers. Our Mission: Advance clean energy innovation and investments to combat climate change, improving the health, resiliency, and prosperity of New Yorkers and delivering benefits equitably to all. Our Promise: NYSERDA provides resources, expertise, and objective information so New Yorkers can make confident, informed energy decisions. Visit nyserda.ny.gov/careers to learn about career opportunities.
About the Role

Intern - Counsel's Office

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 2026, 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 submit two files, one for a cover letter and another for a resume.

 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


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Key Skills
ResearchWritingEnergy EfficiencyRenewable EnergyEnergy ResiliencyBuilding CodesProduct StandardsClimate ChangeLegal ResearchContracting ProvisionsFreedom of Information LawOpen Meetings LawState Ethics LawMicrosoft OfficeLexis AdvanceStrong Work Ethic
Categories
LegalEnergyEnvironmental & SustainabilityGovernment & Public Sector