Intern or Extern - Counsel's Office

Join NYSERDA as an Intern or Extern in New York, focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy. This paid internship offers hands-on experience in legal research and writing, with a pay rate of $18 to $20 per hour. Enjoy a flexible work environment with a mix of in-office and remote work. Become an Intern or Extern with NYSERDA in New York, contributing to the state's energy transition. This paid position is ideal for law students, offering research opportunities on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental issues. Work up to 37.5 hours per week during the summer, with a pay rate of $18 to $20 per hour. Enjoy a blend of in-office and remote work while gaining valuable legal experience.

NYSERDA Hybrid Internship USD 18–20 per hour UTC-05:00

New York, New York, United States Albany, New York, United States Buffalo, New York, United States

NYSERDA

Company Overview

Name

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Headquarters

Albany, NY, United States

Founded

1975

Size

Approximately 326 employees with operating expenses of $119.76 million and a fiscal year budget nearing $2 billion (source: wikipedia.org)

What They Do

NYSERDA is a public-benefit corporation dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions across New York State. The organization focuses on reducing fossil fuel reliance through a variety of programs that target residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors (source: wikipedia.org). NYSERDA provides services such as technical expertise, innovative funding programs, and objective analysis to support energy efficiency measures for a wide range of clients, including households, industries, and municipalities (source: ase.org). The authority plays a crucial role in fostering clean-energy jobs and collaborates with businesses, federal government, academia, and environmental groups to de-risk private investments in renewables and efficiency (source: wikipedia.org). NYSERDA's target markets include New York State entities, with a strong emphasis on making energy affordable for low-income households and reducing greenhouse gas emissions statewide (source: ase.org).

Projects & Track Record

While specific completed projects are not detailed, NYSERDA has a long-standing track record of administering energy efficiency and renewable programs since its inception in 1975. The authority has been instrumental in funding demonstrations and market development initiatives that have supported clean-energy job creation and technology adoption across New York (source: wikipedia.org). Ongoing efforts include multifaceted research and development to address New York's economic needs, with active procurement for clean energy solutions through its partner portal (source: portal.nyserda.ny.gov). Key clients encompass New York State residents, low-income households, industries, schools, hospitals, municipalities, and not-for-profits, alongside partnerships with businesses, utilities, federal agencies, academia, and environmental groups (source: wikipedia.org).

Recent Developments

Recent developments include NYSERDA's announcement to sell its current headquarters and seek a larger office space to accommodate growth and consolidate staff from multiple leased locations (source: cresa.com). This move reflects the organization's ongoing expansion and adaptation to meet increasing demands for clean energy solutions. Leadership changes have also occurred, with Doreen Harris serving as President and CEO since April 2021, succeeding Alicia Barton (source: wikipedia.org). These developments underscore NYSERDA's commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and leadership in the energy sector.

Working There

NYSERDA offers a variety of roles across research and development, program management, technical expertise in energy efficiency and renewables, policy analysis, economic modeling, and administrative support (source: wikipedia.org). The organization primarily hires at its Albany headquarters, with additional opportunities at regional offices in New York City, Buffalo, and West Valley (source: cresa.com). While specific benefits are not documented, NYSERDA's public-benefit mission emphasizes collaboration with diverse stakeholders and a focus on clean-energy job creation, suggesting a culture of innovation and public service (source: ase.org).

Contact

Website · Careers · LinkedIn

Last updated on 2025-12-26 | Report an issue

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 2026, 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.

Please submit two files, one for a cover letter and another for a resume.

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