Summer Legal Associate

New Energy Equity is seeking a Summer Legal Associate to support our in-house Legal team during
Summer 2026. This role is designed for a law student interested in renewable energy and commercial transactions. The Summer Legal Associate will work directly with New Energy Equity attorneys on active matters and produce practical, business-facing work product (memos, issue spotting, redlines, and playbooks). This role is only available to rising ILs only.

Key Responsibilities

• Support real estate and site control matters, including review of solar leases, easements, access rights, and related exhibits (under attorney supervision).
• Assist with title and survey review by identifying and summarizing potential legal issues and recommended next steps.
• Review and redline commercial agreements such as NDAs, vendor MSAs/SOWs, consulting agreements, and other project-related contracts (scope will vary based on experience).
• Support transaction diligence and closing processes by maintaining checklists, tracking deliverables, and drafting short diligence summaries.
• Conduct targeted legal research and write concise, practical issue memos on topics relevant to renewable energy development (e.g., permitting, land use, contract risk allocation).
• Help improve internal legal tools such as playbooks, clause libraries, templates, and intake/checklist workflows.
• Participate in internal meetings with cross-functional stakeholders (Development, Construction, Finance, Operations) to understand business context and timelines.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a J.D. program at an ABA-accredited law school (rising 1Ls ONLY).
• Demonstrated interest in commercial transactions, real estate, renewable energy, or infrastructure.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills (ability to translate legal risk into business-friendly guidance).
• Strong attention to detail and comfort working with contract markups/redlines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively with a team.
• Ability to work
  on-site in Annapolis, MD for the duration of the program (no remote option).

Preferred

• Coursework or experience in real estate, energy law, environmental law, corporate law, or contract drafting.
• Prior internship/clinic experience (in-house, law firm, government, or renewable energy sector).
• Comfort working with spreadsheets or organizing diligence trackers (helpful but not required).

Program Details

• Program length: 8–10 weeks
• Schedule: Full-time (typically 40 hours/week)
• Beginning: June 4, 2026
• Work location: In-person at NEE’s Annapolis, Maryland office
• Housing: Not Provided
• Compensation: $20 per hour

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

The expected annual compensation range for this position is $20 per hour. This range is a good faith estimate based on the position's requirements. Specific compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary depending on factors such as relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position may qualify for a comprehensive benefits package, including Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.

About Us:

At New Energy Equity, a proud subsidiary of ALLETE, we’re leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape with innovative solar solutions 🌞. As a top player in the renewable energy sector, we’ve successfully developed over 600MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments 💼. Our projects deliver sustainable electricity to a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers 🌍. But there’s more to us than just impressive numbers. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and engaging work environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and environmental stewardship are at the core of what we do 🌿. Our inclusive and collaborative culture encourages creativity and innovation, making our office a place where every idea is valued, and growth is a priority 💡. At New Energy Equity, you’ll join a passionate team that not only drives the clean energy future but also enjoys celebrating our successes together 🎉. With over 250 projects across the U.S. 🌎, our supportive atmosphere ensures a balanced work-life dynamic ⚖️ and a fun, fulfilling career path 🌟. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is supported as we work towards a brighter, sustainable future 🌍.

The statements above outline the essential functions, nature, and level of work expected as of the document’s preparation date. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties and responsibilities. New Energy Equity reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice.

New Energy Equity is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR department at amekonnen@newenergyequity.com