Intern or Extern, Legal

New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Act has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span 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 from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

LEGAL INTERNSHIP OR EXTERNSHIP OVERVIEW

This is a paid internship or unpaid externship for a current student at an accredited college. NYSERDA anticipates selecting either one intern or extern for the Spring semester, and one for the summer. The pay rate for interns is from $18 to $20 per hour (with effect from 1/2/2025) based on current class year. This internship will begin in the Spring 2025 semester or Summer 2025 semester. Externs receive academic credit and are not paid.

Interns or externs must be located in New York State or an immediately adjacent state while working. It is expected that the intern or extern will follow NYSERDA’s telework policy, with a combination of in-office 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 full-time 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 your cover letter and another for a resume, through our Careers page online.

(Applications submitted only through your school’s recruiting portal will not be considered.)

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.

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