Office of General Counsel (OGC) Internship Program for Law Students

This posting is for OGC Central Office located in Albany. If you are interested in an internship in one of DEC's regional offices, please contact that region directly.

Who should consider this internship?

This internship is for law students currently enrolled in a J.D. program. We do give preference to students entering their third year. However, all applications will be reviewed and considered.

What is the Internship Program?

• Legal internships are available for 37.5 hours per week during the summer for a 10-week program. Semester internships are available for 9-12 hours per week.
• This is a hybrid internship. Interns will be required to be in the office for part of the work week.
• Summer legal internships are paid.
• OGC's internship program has been approved for pro bono credit for the New York State bar.

Legal interns provide important support to DEC attorneys in many different ways:

• Organize discovery documents for enforcement cases and permit hearings;
• Draft legal papers such as orders on consent;
• Draft administrative pleadings and motions;
• Attend Pre-Hearing Conferences in enforcement cases;
• Assist with negotiations;
• Attend internal meetings and meetings with external entities;
• Generate letters to respondents and draft memoranda of law; and
• Conduct extensive legal research using appropriate resources, and write legal memoranda based on the research.

Legal interns receive feedback from their assigned attorney on a continuing basis.

During the summer, legal interns may expect:

• Regular opportunities for legal interns to discuss their current assignments and learn from each other's experiences.
• Presentations regarding emerging topics in environmental law, legal practice skills, legal careers, and legal positions available at DEC.
• An opportunity to create a writing sample and improve upon research and writing skills.
• Educational field trips related to environmental law.

When to Apply:

• For the summer 2027 - The application period will open on November 6, 2026, and close January 8, 2027.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early in that timeframe as internship opportunities may be offered on a rolling basis.

How to Apply:

• Applications will be accepted by mail and e-mail (this email is for OGC Central Office internship only)
• Please submit a single PDF file that includes a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and a writing sample (five pages or less, double-spaced, and an excerpt from a longer document is acceptable).
• A list of references may also be requested upon further inquiry.
• If the legal intern is participating in a for-credit program through their law school, please also provide information regarding the program requirements.

Please also be aware that the internship does not provide transportation, parking, or housing.

If you have any questions regarding the OGC Central Office internship, please e-mail us.

If you are interested in an internship in one of DEC's regional offices, please contact that region directly.