Job Description

Summer Law Clerk

SPP is about more than power. We're about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas' Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on! We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

The Summer Law Clerk supports Southwest Power Pool's (SPP) Legal Department by conducting legal research, preparing legal memoranda, reviewing contracts, and assisting attorneys with general corporate and energy-related legal matters. Working under the guidance and supervision of SPP attorneys, this position provides legal research, analysis, and drafting support to facilitate informed decision-making, effective risk management, and the timely resolution of legal matters affecting the organization. Through SPP's 10-week summer internship program, the Summer Law Clerk gains practical experience in an in-house legal environment, with exposure to corporate legal matters, regulatory requirements, and the legal considerations associated with the electric utility industry. This position provides an opportunity to apply legal knowledge and analytical skills while developing an understanding of the legal function within a regional transmission organization.

Core Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research on federal and state laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and other legal authorities to support the analysis and resolution of corporate and energy-related legal matters affecting SPP.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and well-supported legal memoranda, research summaries, and other written materials that communicate relevant legal authorities, findings, and potential implications for review and consideration by SPP attorneys.
• Review and analyze contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to identify relevant provisions, potential legal risks, inconsistencies, and matters requiring additional review or clarification.
• Assist attorneys with drafting, reviewing, and revising contracts, legal memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents to support the accurate and timely completion of assigned legal matters.
• Research and analyze corporate legal matters, including contract interpretation, corporate governance, employment law, and other business-related legal issues, as assigned, to support SPP's legal and operational needs.
• Support the evaluation of energy-related legal and regulatory matters by researching applicable Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations, regulatory orders, and other legal requirements affecting SPP and the electric utility industry.
• Assist attorneys in preparing for meetings, negotiations, regulatory proceedings, and other legal activities by gathering relevant information, organizing supporting documentation, and preparing research materials.
• Collaborate with attorneys and internal business partners to obtain relevant information, clarify research needs, and support the completion of assigned legal projects and departmental initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and organized legal research, work products, and supporting documentation to facilitate attorney review, knowledge sharing, and future reference.
• Protect confidential, privileged, and sensitive information by following SPP's policies, applicable legal and ethical requirements, and attorney guidance.
• Participate in departmental meetings, professional development opportunities, and assigned internship activities to develop practical legal skills and an understanding of SPP's operations, legal responsibilities, and regulatory environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school.
• Successful completion of the second year of law school prior to the start of the internship.
• Good academic standing at the time of application and throughout the internship.
• No experience required.
• Demonstrated experience conducting legal research and preparing legal memoranda or other legal writing assignments through law school coursework, legal clinics, internships, or other relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework or demonstrated interest in corporate law, contract law, administrative law, energy law, or regulatory compliance.
• Prior experience in a legal internship, legal clinic, law firm, corporate legal department, government agency, or similar legal environment.
• Familiarity with the electric utility industry, energy markets, or the legal and regulatory environment affecting regional transmission organizations.
• Experience conducting legal research or preparing written analyses involving corporate, commercial, or regulatory matters.

Other Requirements:

• Working knowledge of legal research methods, legal analysis, and legal writing, including the ability to identify, interpret, and apply relevant legal authorities.
• Ability to research and analyze federal and state laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and other legal authorities to develop well-supported findings and recommendations.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-organized legal memoranda, research summaries, and other written legal materials.
• Foundational understanding of contract law and the ability to review and analyze contractual provisions to identify potential legal issues and areas requiring further review.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate complex information, identify relevant legal considerations, and communicate findings effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to review legal documents and research materials for accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate legal research findings and analysis to supervising attorneys.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize responsibilities, and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and other professionals, incorporate feedback, and apply guidance to assigned work.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and appropriately handle sensitive and privileged information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and legal research platforms, such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, or the ability to learn applicable systems.

SPP is an equal opportunity employer that makes employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, SPP makes good faith efforts to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request.

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