Office of General Counsel - Summer Law Clerk; GRA

What You Will Do

The Summer Law Clerk position is with the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL or Laboratory) Office of General Counsel (OGC), a critical mission enabler for the Laboratory's national security mission. The Law Clerk will work with attorneys across OGC functional groups on complex and cutting-edge legal issues arising from the operation of a premier national security laboratory.

Primary responsibilities may include:

• Conducting legal research and analysis on a range of substantive legal issues;
• Drafting memoranda, presentations, and other written legal materials;
• Assisting with contract, regulatory, employment, intellectual property, environmental, and litigation-related matters;
• Participating in meetings where legal and policy decisions are discussed; and
• Supporting special projects for the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel.

The position is primarily a summer appointment, with the possibility of part-time, remote work during the academic year on a casual basis, subject to business needs and management discretion. The Summer Law Clerk will work assignments coordinated by the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel and will support a broad range of substantive projects across OGC functional areas.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is a premier national security science laboratory dedicated to solving national security challenges through scientific excellence. In support of the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA), LANL advances nuclear security, global stability, and cutting-edge scientific and engineering innovation in service of the nation. Triad National Security, LLC (Triad) manages and operates LANL on behalf of DOE/NNSA.

OGC works in close partnership with Laboratory leadership, management, and professionals to understand organizational objectives, identify and assess legal risk, and develop strategies that enable mission success while balancing risk and ensuring legal compliance. Through a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach, OGC delivers timely, practical legal solutions that advance LANL's national security objectives while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

OGC functional groups include:

Business Law (GC-BL): Provides legal advice related to Laboratory operations under the Prime Contract between Triad and DOE/NNSA. Areas of focus include acquisition services, ethics and audits, finance and accounting, prime contract support, real estate matters, risk management, and site access. GC-BL supports innovation and effective contract execution by applying best commercial practices consistent with Prime Contract requirements, offering compliance approaches that preserve operational flexibility.

Intellectual Property, Environment, and Regulatory (GC-IPER): Provides legal advice related to intellectual property, environmental compliance, and regulatory matters such as data security and health and safety. Attorneys partner closely with the Feynman Center for Innovation to safeguard intellectual property while enabling commercialization and collaboration. GC-IPER also supports institutional compliance programs and emphasizes proactive, mission-supportive compliance strategies.

Litigation and Employment Law (GC-LEL): Provides representation in litigation, administrative proceedings, and internal investigations, and advises on employment, labor, benefits, and immigration matters. GC-LEL works to resolve disputes efficiently, minimize risk, and capture lessons learned to strengthen governance and support mission execution.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school, with one academic year anticipated to be completed by position start date.
• Must be enrolled full-time (or full-time equivalent) during the academic year.
• Must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Completion of relevant coursework such as: contracts, business law, Civil procedure, legal research and writing, legislation & regulation, administrative law, and/or advocacy.
• Demonstrated interest in public service, corporate law, national security, intellectual property, litigation, regulatory law (environment, health & safety, data security, etc), and/or employment law.
• Participation in law review, moot court, clinics, or similar practical learning opportunities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, mission-driven environment.

Work Location: The work location for this position is primarily onsite in Los Alamos, New Mexico. After the summer appointment, limited remote work may be available at management discretion.

LANL offers a professional, collaborative environment where legal professionals work closely with scientists, engineers, and operational leaders to enable mission success while managing risk and ensuring compliance.

Note to Applicants:

When applying, candidates must attach:

• A resume;
• A cover letter…