Legal Intern: Summer 2027

Role summary

Legal Intern: Summer 2027 is a role at New York State Energy Research in Buffalo, New York, United States (hybrid). Posted 2026-08-27. Salary: USD 18–20 per hour. Experience level: 0-2. No degree required.

Job title

Legal Intern: Summer 2027

Company

New York State Energy Research

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States

Work arrangement

hybrid

Category

Software Engineering

Salary

USD 18–20 per hour

Experience level

0-2

Degree required

No

Date posted

2026-08-27

Job description

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 2027, 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