Senior Legal Intern (Juris Doctor Students)

Senior Legal Intern (Juris Doctor Students)

Salary

$24.00 - $28.00 Hourly

Location

10 Park Plaza, Boston

Job Type

Internship / Co-Op / Fellowship

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-20181

Department

MBTA - Law

Area

721-Legal

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Closing Date

8/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

MBTA UNA Unaffiliated

Licenses / Certifications

Please see job description.

Safety Sensitive

No; this is not a Safety Sensitive position.

On-Call or 24/7

No; this position is not classified as on-call or 24/7.

Essential Classification (Emergency Staff)

No; this position is classified as non-essential (during declared States of Emergency).

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA's core values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Office of the General Counsel for MassDOT and the MBTA seek legal interns for the upcoming term. Working with an attorney supervisor, interns will have the opportunity to develop their legal writing and research skills and substantive knowledge while learning about the practice of law in the transportation, government, and in-house setting. While students will primarily work with one supervising attorney, there will be opportunities for interns to work with other attorneys within the Office of the General Counsel to get exposure to a number of practice areas.

The MassDOT and MBTA Office of the General Counsel seeks applicants who have completed at least the first year of law school (and are still currently enrolled or preparing for their Bar Exam), have strong academic credentials, excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational skills and ability to collaborate, and are detail oriented.

interns will work at least two to three (2-3) days in-office (up to 40 hours per week) for at least five (5) months (January - May 2027). The Office of the General Counsel is located at 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116.

This position is paid at $24 - $28 / hour (depending on education level). Interns also have the opportunity to receive academic credit through their school's externship programs (interns must apply and be accepted to an externship program separately through their school for this option).

A cover letter indicating practice area of interest is required to be uploaded as part of the application.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Office of the General Counsel for MassDOT and the MBTA is structured into five Practice Area Groups: Commercial Transactions ,Real Estate, Employment and Labor, Corporate and Regulatory, and Litigation. Summaries of each Practice Area Group are below.

Commercial Transactions: All matters related to numerous and complex commercial transactions undertaken by both MassDOT and the MBTA which include reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and interpreting contracts and other legal documents. Transactions include contracts, procurements, developing complex solicitations and contracts, identifying risks and risk allocation and mitigation solutions; and the representation of MassDOT and MBTA in administrative hearings, bid protests, mediations, and other contract dispute resolution proceedings. Commercial Transactions COE includes the following practice areas: Contracts and Procurements; Capital Delivery-Construction; Alternative Project Delivery; Contract Dispute Resolution; Environmental and Energy; and Risk Management.

Real Estate: The Real Estate practice area group handles all matters related to real estate transactions including: air rights development projects, ground leases, licenses, eminent domain and takings, Right of Way, transit oriented development projects, and other major developments.

Employment and Labor: All matters related to employment and labor, including legal advice in employment and labor-related matters; drafting and revising employment-related policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal law; conducting employment-related investigations; representing the MBTA and MassDOT before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; representing the MassDOT in labor arbitrations and before the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations; representing the MBTA in employment-related litigation in state and federal court; and responding to complaints and requests for information from state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Labor. Employment and Labor COE includes the following practice areas: Administrative Proceedings; Employment and Labor Counseling and Advice; Employment Litigation Employment Related Investigations; Employment and Human Resource Policies and Procedures; and Labor Arbitration.

Corporate and Regulatory: All matters related to the corporate governance and regulatory compliance of both MassDOT and the MBTA, including policies related to advertising and signage; internal and outside audits, investigations and reports; fares and tolls including fare and toll changes and driver and rider data privacy; finance, including bond issuance, reporting and disclosures; the evaluation and drafting of state legislation and regulation; public records and records retention issues; compliance with state and federal statutes and regulations applicable to MassDOT and/or the MBTA. Corporate and Regulatory COE includes the following practice areas: Advertising; Audits and Investigations; Fares and Tolls; Finance, Bond/Disclosure; Governance and Board; Interagency Agreements; Legislation; Public Records; Regulatory Compliance; and State Ethics.

Litigation: All matters related to litigation filed by or against MassDOT and the MBTA including tort, employment, and commercial contract, and eminent domain litigation in state and federal courts. Litigation COE includes the following practice areas: Business and Contract Litigation; Bid Protest Litigation; Eminent Domain and other disputes involving Real Property; Insurance Subrogation; Tort Matters involving Personal Injury and Property Damage; and Accident and Other Cost Recovery Litigation.

• Support and participate in a variety of administrative tasks related to assigned practice area group.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.
• Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Supervision

• No direct reports.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the Juris Doctorate degree program of an accredited college / university with the first year already being completed.
• Students seeking academic credit must also apply through their school's externship program and have been accepted prior to applying to this position.
• Must submit cover letter indicating practice area of interest.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms (writing sample may be requested).
• Above average academic credentials.
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
• Interest in public service, transit, or transportation and how it operates.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, collaborative, fast-paced environments as well as independently.
• Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.

Substitutions

• None

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTAs ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.

This position is not eligible for benefits through the MBTA. However, some positions might be eligible to incur paid sick time or to receive a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system. Please speak with the assigned recruiter or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

01

What is your current level of education?

• Not Currently Enrolled in School / Already Graduated
• High School / GED / VoTech
• Undergrad: 1st Year
• Undergrad: 2nd Year
• Undergrad: 3rd Year
• Undergrad: 4th Year
• Grad School: 1st Year
• Grad School: 2nd Year
• Grad School: 3rd Year (or higher)
• Postdoctoral Studies

02

What is your area of study?

• Accounting / Finance
• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Archives Management
• Biology
• Business / Business Admin
• Business Information Systems
• Chemistry
• Communications
• Computer Science
• Construction / Construction Management
• Data Analysis
• Database Administration
• Diversity Management / EEO
• Earth Science
• Ecology
• Economics
• Education
• Engineering (Aerospace)
• Engineering (Civil)
• Engineering (Electrical)
• Engineering (General)
• Engineering (Mechanical)
• Engineering (Structural)
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Services
• Ethics
• Facility Management
• General / Interdisciplinary Studies
• Graphic Arts / Design
• Human Resources / Human Capital
• Information Technology
• Insurance / Risk Management
• Law (Business / Corporate)
• Law (Juris Doctorate)
• Law (General)
• Library / Information Science
• Logistics / Supply Chain Management
• Maintenance
• Management
• Management Information Systems
• Marketing
• Medical / Health Services
• Network Administration
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Nursing
• Organizational Development
• Payroll / Benefits Administration
• Physics
• Planning and Development
• Political Science
• Production / Operations Management
• Project Management
• Public Policy & Administration
• Public Relations
• Purchasing
• Real Estate
• Robotics
• Safety
• Software / Programming
• Statistics / Actuarial Science
• Transportation
• Urban Planning
• Other
• No Major

03

When is your expected graduation date?

• Already Graduated
• 2026 (September - December)
• 2027 (January - March)
• 2027 (April - May)
• 2027 (June - August)
• 2027 (September - December)
• 2028
• 2029
• 2030+

04

For how long can you commit to the position?

• Less than 3 Months
• 3 Months
• 6 Months
• 9 Months
• 12 Months / 1 Year
• More than 1 Year

05

What is your availability?

• Part-Time (up to 35 hours / week)
• Full-Time (35 to 40 hours / week)
• Any

06

Which work model can you work?

• Always Onsite / In-Office
• Fully Remote
• Hybrid
• Any

07

To ensure economic reinvestment, political accountability, and compliance with state legal and tax rules, all interns and co-ops must reside and conduct work in the Boston, MA metro area for the entire duration of their internship / co-op, including when working remotely. Do you agree to this and have the ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area?

• Yes; I agree and am able to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area.
• No; I do not agree or am not able to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area.

08

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

09

Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No
• CPT / OPT Currently (with MBTA listed as employer)
• CPT / OPT In-Process or Need to Apply (may affect start date)

10

Please rate your current ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.

• No Experience
• Beginner / Basic
• Intermediate / Average
• Advanced / Above Average
• Expert / Excellent

11

Will you have completed your first year of a Juris Doctorate program by December 31, 2026?

• No, I will complete my first year of a Juris Doctorate program in 2027 or beyond.
• Yes, I will have completed my first year of a Juris Doctorate program by December 31, 2026.

Required Question

Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Address 10 Park Plaza

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

Phone (617) 222-3200

Website https://www.mbta.com