The Department of Energy’s Office of the General Counsel is now accepting applications from undergraduates for our Undergraduate Internship Program.

The Department of Energy’s Office of the General Counsel Undergraduate Intern Program offers an exciting opportunity for college students to gain firsthand exposure to cutting-edge issues in energy law and policy.  The General Counsel is charged by the Secretary of Energy with the authority to determine the Department’s authoritative position on any question of law.  The General Counsel’s Office provides legal advice, counsel, and support to the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and program offices throughout DOE to further the Department’s mission of advancing the national, economic, and energy security of the United States through scientific and technological innovation and the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. 

The intern program is designed for a select group of students, who will become integrated components of our practice groups by assisting the attorneys of the General Counsel’s Office in their work.  Interns primarily will be placed with the General Counsel, one of the Deputy General Counsels, one of the Assistant General Counsels, or one of our Chief Counsels.  Interns will have an opportunity to attend meetings, observe hearings, and learn first-hand about the work of DOE and the Office of the General Counsel.  Interns can expect work assignments concerning an array of energy related issues, such as:  energy efficiency, nuclear security and non-proliferation, renewable technologies, alternate fuels vehicles, environmental compliance, intellectual property, alternative dispute resolution, and loan guarantee programs.  Interns will have a mix of substantive and administrative responsibilities, and may perform a wide array of tasks.  Examples include:  (1) summarizing regulatory or legislative developments; (2) basic and legal research on energy-related issues; (3) cite-checking and proofreading legal briefs, memoranda, and correspondence; and (4) word-processing, attorney scheduling, and other traditional legal office assignments. 

In part because of the breadth of assignments that interns may be asked to perform, we do not require or prefer any particular undergraduate major.  Instead, the basic requirements include first-rate writing skills, a record of significant academic achievement, and facility with word-processing and other office software.  All interested students are encouraged to apply; however the positions are very competitive. U.S. Citizenship is required.  No paid internships are available.
 
The Undergraduate Intern Program will run for a minimum of ten weeks during the fall, spring and summer – however we can be flexible on dates to accommodate academic schedules. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and transcript directly to the Office of the General Counsel’s email at gcintern@hq.doe.gov.  Applications are due by August 1 for the fall semester; October 15 for the spring semester; and February 1 for the summer.