Department of Civil Service

Description:

The current internship opportunity is within Office of General Counsel - Office of Investigations and Enforcement. The ideal candidate will have an interest in administrative enforcement and administrative litigation practice.
The New York State Public Service Commission and Department of Public Service regulate the state's utilities, including electric, gas, steam, telephone, cable, and water corporations. Our work involves the setting of rates, evaluating proposals for new electric generators, including renewable energy generators, improvements existing generating plants, new electric and gas transmission lines, review of mergers and financing proposals and numerous other activities related to our mission of providing safe and reliable utility services at just and reasonable rates.
The Office of General Counsel provides advice to the Commission on legal and policy matters and is responsible for representing and appearing on behalf of the Public Service Commission in all actions and proceedings involving questions related to the New York Public Service Law or within the jurisdiction of the Commission. The General Counsel provides the Chairperson and the Commission with legal advice, represents the agency in court and before federal agencies, advises Department personnel on legal issues relating to utility regulation and prepares proposed regulations and legislation.
As an intern at this placement, in the Office of General Counsel at this agency, a student may observe and/or participate in the legal work related to energy, administrative, and in some cases environmental law performed by the office(s). Proceedings and open matter before the agency include those related to utility state and federal electric and gas rates, the deployment of renewable energy resources, the siting of electric and gas transmission and/or electric generation (including wind energy), and various mergers and acquisitions in the industries regulated by the agency.
Tasks associated with these proceedings may include some, but not necessarily all, of the following activities: legal and policy research; writing of memoranda, briefs, letters, policy statements and analyses; accompany attorneys and judges to meetings, court appearances and/or agency proceedings; draft documents for administrative or court proceedings; or assist in appellate litigation or settlement negotiations.

Skills:

Legal Research

Legal Analysis and Writing

Internship Areas: Legal Specialties