Experience Law at the Intersection of Science, Innovation, and Public Service
Few legal internships offer the opportunity to work in an environment where cutting-edge science, national priorities, and complex legal issues intersect every day. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, interns gain firsthand exposure to the legal challenges and opportunities that arise within one of the nation’s leading research institutions.
The Office of General Counsel supports a diverse portfolio of legal matters spanning procurement, ethics, export control, data privacy, labor and employment, intellectual property, technology transfer, and regulatory compliance. This breadth of experience allows interns to explore multiple areas of legal practice while developing a deeper understanding of the role attorneys play in advancing scientific discovery and innovation.
Beyond legal assignments, interns have the opportunity to learn about ORNL’s mission through interactions with researchers and laboratory staff, as well as tours of world-class research facilities. These experiences provide valuable context for the legal work performed at the laboratory and offer a perspective on the practice of law that few students encounter during law school.
Whether your career interests include in-house counsel, government service, private practice, or emerging areas of law and technology, the ORNL Office of General Counsel internship provides a unique opportunity to develop practical legal skills while contributing to an organization dedicated to advancing science and serving the nation.
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Contribute to Real-World Legal Matters
Interns are entrusted with substantive assignments that support the legal needs of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Responsibilities may include conducting legal research, drafting legal memoranda, managing multiple assignments and deadlines, and responding to legal questions arising in a complex research environment.
Interns gain exposure to a broad range of legal practice areas, including procurement, ethics, export control, data privacy, and labor and employment law. Through this work, students develop a deeper understanding of how legal services support scientific research, innovation, and organizational operations.
Learn from Experienced In-House Counsel
Interns work closely with the Office of General Counsel attorneys and legal staff throughout the internship experience. Through mentorship and day-to-day collaboration, interns gain insight into the role of in-house counsel at a world-class research institution. Attorneys provide guidance on assignments, share practical perspectives on legal practice, and support interns’ professional development through regular interaction and feedback.
Develop Practical Legal Skills
ORNL is committed to helping interns strengthen their legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills. Interns receive ongoing feedback on work products, including legal research, memoranda, presentations, and other assignments. Constructive feedback from attorneys helps interns refine their work and develop the professional skills necessary for success in the legal profession.
The internship concludes with a formal evaluation and feedback discussion designed to help students reflect on their growth and identify future development opportunities.
A Culture of Integrity, Respect, and Excellence
ORNL is committed to maintaining a workplace culture grounded in integrity, respect, accountability, and collaboration. Interns are expected to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to ethical conduct throughout their internship experience.
By working alongside attorneys, legal staff, clients, and researchers, interns learn not only substantive legal skills but also the professional standards and ethical responsibilities that guide legal practice in a mission-driven organization.
Share Your Knowledge
As part of the internship experience, interns collaborate with their mentor to develop and deliver a 15–30 minute presentation to senior staff on a legal topic. This opportunity allows students to strengthen their legal analysis, presentation, and communication skills while engaging with legal professionals and laboratory leadership.
A Unique Legal Environment
The Office of General Counsel at ORNL offers a distinctive opportunity to experience legal practice within a multidisciplinary organization at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation. In addition to their legal assignments, interns have opportunities to learn about ORNL’s mission through interactions with laboratory personnel and tours of world-class research facilities.
Contact
For questions about application processes and eligibility please email [email protected].
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.
