What is FERC?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. FERC also reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines, as well as licensing hydropower projects.
FERC’s Mission:
Economically Efficient, Safe, Reliable and Secure Energy for Consumers
What We Do:
FERC Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) resolve contested cases as directed by the Commission, and serve as either a Presiding Judge or Settlement Judge in each case.
- As Presiding Judge, the ALJ conducts an on-the-record hearing, issues orders, develops the administrative record, as well as resolves discovery and evidentiary disputes. After the hearing, the ALJ will issue an Initial Decision, and the Commission will then issue a final order for the proceeding.
- As Settlement Judge, the ALJ assists the participants by facilitating and mediating a negotiated resolution by settlement.
Each ALJ will typically carry a caseload of multiple settlement and hearing cases that concern wholesale electric transmission, natural gas pipeline or oil pipeline rates.
Internship and Clerkship Hiring Opportunities
Legal Interns
As an intern in the Office of Administrative Law Judges, you will be assigned special research projects and work closely with one or more judges and their law clerks. Our interns will assist in legal and technical research, as well as assist judges and law clerks in drafting decisions and orders.
Frequency
Approximately 1-2 vacancies each semester.
Skills Required
- Strong analytic, oral, writing, and team skills.
- An interest in energy or administrative law.
Requirements
1st, 2nd, and 3rd year law students may apply year around.
Starting Salary
Fall/Spring internships are unpaid. Summer internships for 2Ls may be paid (funding permitting). Paid internships will be posted on USA Jobs.
How to Apply
For more information please contact:
Lakeshia Awatefe
(202) 502-6576
Law Clerks
Law clerks serve for two year terms, and are assigned to 1-2 judges. The law clerk will work closely with the judge in drafting orders and decisions on complex issues in energy law. Law clerks will independently conduct legal and factual research, as well as prepare draft decisions or memos for the judge's review.
Outstanding organizational, critical analysis, and legal writing skills are all essential for our law clerks.
Law clerks will closely assist their assigned judge in hearings, oral arguments, drafting orders and initial decisions, as well as settlement conferences.
Training Opportunities
When beginning the clerkship, new law clerks will undergo training in the basics of energy law taught by in-house experts and supervisors.
Additionally, throughout the year law clerks will have numerous informal and formal training opportunities on legal and energy law issues.
Frequency
Approximately 4-5 positions each year.
Skills Required
- Independently research legal issues.
- Outstanding critical analysis, as well as excellent organizational and writing skills.
- An interest in energy or administrative law.
Requirements
- Appointees must pass the bar exam within 14-months.
- Firm two-year commitment.
Starting Salary
GS-11
Clerkship Application Process
For more information on the clerkship application process, please email or call:
Lakeshia Awatefe
(202) 502-6576