The Commission is currently accepting applications for Externs and Paid Clerks for Spring 2025.
The deadline to apply is October 31, 2025.
Chief Counsel’s Office Law Clerkship and Externship Program
The Chief Counsel's Office is the California Energy Commission's full-service legal office. Its attorneys advise the Commission as it implements laws advancing the state’s 100% renewable and clean energy future. We provide the Commission with the highest quality legal work in the field, and we regularly seek dedicated law students to join our office as law clerks or externs. The Chief Counsel’s Office offers a 100% teleworking environment with excellent mentoring opportunities. Law clerks work with the Commission’s energy experts and attorneys.
Under the direction of an Assistant Chief Counsel and attorneys leading the clerk and extern program, externs and clerks typically conduct legal research on cutting-edge environmental and energy law issues; apply this research by drafting legal memoranda, Commission meeting materials, and rulemaking documents, and directly participating in development of legal advice; and attend public workshops and meetings on innovative energy programs where stakeholders provide feedback on Commission proceedings.
How to Apply
To apply please submit a cover letter indicating the position and semester you are interested in, your résumé, unofficial law school transcript, two references (at least one from a work experience), and one legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages in length to:
Christina Adkins
lawclerkship@energy.ca.gov
Alternatively, you may mail your application to:
California Energy Commission
Attn: Christina Adkins
715 P Street – MS 14
Sacramento, CA 95814