INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Legal Intern

CompanyPOET
LocationSioux Falls
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJune 3, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The Legal Intern will assist the Senior Regulatory Counsel with strategic regulatory policy advocacy and legal strategy to influence outcomes for the biorefining industry. Key tasks include researching statutes, providing legal analysis on pending legislation, and guiding business teams on regulatory compliance.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
1916
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
POET’s vision is to create a world in sync with nature. As the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, POET creates plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels that unleash the regenerative power of agriculture and cultivate opportunities for America’s farm families. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, POET operates 34 bioprocessing facilities across eight states and employs more than 2,400 team members. With a suite of bioproducts that includes high-quality animal feed, corn oil, green asphalt rejuvenator, purified alcohol, and renewable CO2, POET nurtures an unceasing commitment to innovation and advances powerful, practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Today, POET holds more than 140 patents worldwide and continues to break new ground in biotechnology, yielding lower-carbon, more efficient renewable energy and bioproducts.
About the Role

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.


CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of biofuels in the world.

JOB SUMMARY

The Legal Department of POET is seeking a Legal Intern to join its team to work with the Senior Regulatory Counsel in DC.  The intern may assist with strategic regulatory policy advocacy and serve as a contributor on business and legal strategy, facilitating and influencing optimal outcomes for the company arising from federal and state level regulatory policy affecting the biorefining industry. 

A TYPICAL DAY COULD INCLUDE:

  • Research, track, and interpret applicable statutes, rules and regulations, including those related to international, federal, state, and local climate programs.  Provide legal analysis regarding pending or proposed legislation, administrative rules, and other regulatory or legislative items
  • Engage with and direct POET’s affiliated trade associations with respect to strategic regulatory advocacy and litigation campaigns.
  • Provide advice and guidance to POET business teams on regulatory compliance issues affecting POET’s business including energy, environmental, transportation, product safety, international trade, and alcohol
  • Work with the POET Legal team to develop and provide applicable legal/compliance training to the POET organization, and work with executives to ensure adherence to corporate policies.
  • At POET, we’re all on the same team.  We all help out with responsibilities that may not be specifically listed here.  

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

  • Full time student enrolled in an educational institution pursuing a Juris Doctorate law degree.

  • Completion of first year of law school

  • Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to adapt to change

  • You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s our code.

  • Some travel, to include overnights, may be required for this position.

  • Specific physical requirements may include:

    • Sitting for approximately 90% of the time while working on a personal computer.

    • Occasionally lifting weights of fifty (50) pounds or less.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.


PERKS

  • A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

  • On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

  • Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.

Key Skills
Legal ResearchRegulatory AnalysisStatutory InterpretationPolicy AdvocacyRegulatory ComplianceCommunication SkillsTime ManagementOrganizational SkillsMicrosoft Office Suite
Categories
LegalEnergyEnvironmental & SustainabilityGovernment & Public SectorManufacturing
Benefits
Wellness ProgramOn-site Fitness CentersFitness ReimbursementsSafety Gear ReimbursementsCold-weather Gear Reimbursements
Legal Intern - InternshipsHQ