The Department of Energy’s Office of the General Counsel is accepting applications on a rolling basis for its Law Student Intern Program. 

The Office of the General Counsel offers an exciting opportunity for law students to gain firsthand exposure to the fast-moving and evolving practice of energy law.  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 law students to become integrated components of our practice groups by working closely with attorneys throughout the Office of the General Counsel.  Interns can expect demanding legal research and writing assignments concerning an array of energy-related practice areas, including:  energy efficiency, nuclear security and non-proliferation, renewable technologies, alternate fuels vehicles, environmental compliance, intellectual property, alternative dispute resolution, and loan guarantee programs. 

The Office of Conflict Prevention and Resolution located within General Counsel also has openings available to the intern interested in exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution in the federal sector.  The office provides system design support, training, and consultation for all types of dispute resolution ranging from preventative techniques, such as partnering, to mediation of a variety of disputes, such as intellectual property, contract, environment, grants, Title VII, and whistleblower complaints.

All interested students are encouraged to apply; however the positions are very competitive.  U.S. Citizenship is required.  Strong academic credentials and law journal experience are preferred.  No paid internships are available. 

Internships are available both during the summer and for semesters during the school year.  Although we can be flexible on dates to accommodate academic schedules, we require interns to work a minimum of ten weeks.  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 accepted on a rolling basis.  We will begin reviewing applications for the fall semester on August 1, for spring semester on October 15, and for the summer on February 1.  All submissions will be discarded after one year from date of receipt.  No notice of non-selection will be provided.