Legal Intern

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

About DOER

The Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) mission is to create a clean, affordable, resilient, and equitable energy future for all in the Commonwealth. As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure. To meet our objectives, DOER connects and collaborates with energy stakeholders to develop effective policy. DOER implements this policy through planning, regulation, and providing funding. DOER provides tools to individuals, organizations, and communities to support their clean energy goals. DOER is committed to transparency and education, supporting the accessible access to energy information and knowledge. 

Job Description

DOER is seeking a legal intern to gain practical experience and to assist in providing legal services and support to DOER staff on various energy matters including administrative proceedings before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) as well as other matters involving the energy industry in the Commonwealth. The intern may work on a variety of energy policy and regulatory issues concerning energy efficiency, solar, renewable and alternative energy, Massachusetts Green Communities, clean energy siting and permitting, electric transportation, and the impacts these policies may have on all energy consumers, including Environmental Justice, low-income, and vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in providing legal services and support to DOER staff on a range of energy-related matters.

• Support administrative proceedings before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU).

• Conduct legal and policy research on energy regulation and industry-related issues within the Commonwealth.

• Assist with analysis of energy policy and regulatory initiatives, including energy efficiency, solar, renewable and alternative energy programs.

• Support work related to Massachusetts Green Communities, clean energy siting and permitting, and electric transportation initiatives.

• Evaluate the impacts of energy policies on all energy consumers, with particular attention to Environmental Justice, low-income, and vulnerable populations.

• Draft memoranda, summaries, and other legal or policy-related materials as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong organizational skills, writing skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form.  

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders.   

• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and collaborate with colleagues to accomplish assigned work objectives to meet a deadline.  

• Ability to read and comprehend statutes and regulations.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and understanding of statutory, regulatory, or similar legal frameworks.

• Interest in gaining legal experience in energy and public utility regulatory law.

• Independent judgment in decision-making and ability to draft and support legal analysis.

• Willingness to exercise initiative.

Other relevant information:   

• Hourly rate: $18.00/hour for College Undergraduate Students and $28.00/hour for Graduate Students.

• Internship duration:  June 1, 2026 – August 14, 2026

• Hours per week: Full time – 37.5 hours per week 

• This position is partially remote with a hybrid schedule that includes a minimum of one day in-office per week 

Please provide a Resume and a Cover Letter describing your interest in the position as attachments marked “as relevant” to your application.  

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.