INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Legal Internship

Placement with the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP)

About PLAN

The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) is an integrated network of 14 civil legal aid organizations that provide direct legal services to low-income people and victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania. PLAN programs envision equal access to justice for those who have nowhere else to turn, where everyone in the Commonwealth will have access to the full range of civil legal services and legal remedies.

About PULP

The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) is a statewide legal services project, administratively housed within Regional Housing Legal Services (RHLS), and is a member of PLAN. PULP provides information, assistance, and advice about residential utility and energy matters affecting low income consumers. We serve all of Pennsylvania and are based in Harrisburg, PA.

PULP’s mission is to secure just and equitable access to safe and affordable utility services for Pennsylvanians experiencing poverty. We work to achieve this mission by empowering individuals and communities through direct legal representation, advocacy, education, and support services. In all facets of our work, we seek to advance intersectional initiatives which redress economic, racial, and environmental harms – prioritizing solutions identified and informed by people who have experiencing poverty and insecurity in access to energy, water, telecommunications, and broadband services.

About the Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Internship Program

The MLK, Jr. Summer Internship Program offers a transformative experience for law students, providing law students with the opportunity to engage in civil legal aid work. The program begins with a two-day orientation in Harrisburg, where interns learn about client-centered advocacy and work for individuals impacted by poverty and interpersonal violence. Following orientation, interns work with one of the 14 PLAN programs for a 10-week period over the summer of 2026. The program culminates in a personal essay reflecting on the interns’ experience, which is shared in the Drum Major Essay Collection. Since its inception in 1991, the program has supported over 400 law students, shaping the next generation of justice-minded advocates. MLK Interns receive a stipend for the 10 week period of employment.

Position Overview

The MLK Jr. Internship program sponsors first- and second- year law students for a remote 10-week internship over the summer of 2026. Placement for this position would be with the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP). The internship offers hands-on experience with utility and energy law and policy issues which impact low income consumers across Pennsylvania.

Intern Responsibilities

While specific intern responsibilities may vary depending on policy and litigation needs, they may include:

  • Conducting legal research and drafting comments, memos, or other legal writings related to utility law and policy matters impact low income consumers.

  • Assisting with litigation support as needed, including drafting pleadings, discovery, briefs, and other documents.

  • Assistance with consumer outreach and education initiatives, including outreach and education about statewide utility assistance available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Qualifications

  • Current first- or second-year law student.

  • Strong research, writing, and communication skills.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, fast-paced environment.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a range of people.

  • An interest in working in public interest law in Pennsylvania.

Learning Opportunities

  • Mandatory two-day in-person pre-internship training.

  • Access to additional professional development opportunities through PLAN.

  • Hands-on experience in utility and energy matters impacting low income Pennsylvania consumers.

How to Apply

Send your cover letter and resume to Ria Pereira, rpereira@pautilitylawproject.org. Applications accepted until position is filled

Please explain in your cover letter your interest in legal service work, including your interest in working with PULP.