Legal Research Assistant Intern

M

Massachusetts Port Authority

Posted 3 months ago

Internship

Boston, Massachusetts

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The intern will support the Legal Department by conducting legal research, drafting memos, and assisting with contract reviews and compliance initiatives. They will also observe legal proceedings and help with administrative tasks such as file organization and workflow development.

Qualifications

This internship is ideal for current law students (1L or 2L) interested in gaining hands-on experience in legal research, contract review, and compliance within a public agency. Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills are essential, along with a demonstrated interest in public service or administrative law.

Job Description

The Massachusetts Port Authority is Going Above and Beyond™ for your career.  We are a dynamic organization that connects people and businesses to the global community by air, land, and sea. Our employees are essential in moving planes, cargo, and cruise ships safely, efficiently, and sustainably. We are an economic engine, managing real estate assets where people live, work, and play.  Together, the properties we own and operate generate $20 billion for the region’s economy. 

Our legal team empowers Massport to propel economic growth, foster safe and efficient global transportation, and shape the dynamic landscape of Boston's waterfront. We adeptly navigate the complexities of federal, state, and local laws in support of Massport's mission, while upholding integrity and professionalism in everything we do.  Through the lens of exceptional legal expertise, we facilitate the drive for innovation in the aviation and maritime industries and the creation of sustainable and vibrant communities.

The Legal Research Intern supports Massport’s Legal Department across a wide range of legal, regulatory, and administrative matters. This role assists attorneys with legal research, contract review, document preparation, compliance initiatives, and special projects while providing exposure to litigation, employment, real estate, environmental, and regulatory issues. The internship offers hands on experience in legal analysis, writing, and operations within a dynamic quasi public agency.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Conduct legal research and prepare written summaries, memos, and analyses.
  • Assist with contract review, policy updates, and document preparation.
  • Support regulatory and compliance initiatives, including drafting materials and reviewing guidance.
  • Observe internal meetings, trainings, hearings, and legal proceedings as appropriate.
  • Assist attorneys with litigation and administrative matters, including factual research and file organization.
  • Support the development of internal workflows, procedures, and special legal department projects.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental needs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Completion of 1L or 2L year by June 2026.
  • Current enrollment in an ABA accredited law school.
  • Coursework in administrative law, legal writing, government/public sector law, labor/employment, contracts, or related areas.

Experience

  • Prior internship or professional experience in legal, government, regulatory, or research roles.
  • Demonstrated interest in public service, transportation, or administrative law.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Strong legal research and writing skills. 
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments. 
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and communication abilities. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and staff.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research tools.

WORK SCHEDULE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • This position is based at the Logan Office Center.
  • Ability to work 37.5 hours per week for approximately 10 weeks during Summer 2026.
  • Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional flexibility depending on project needs.
  • Start date expected on or around late May/early June 2026 (final date to be confirmed).
  • Ability to pass Massport’s pre-employment-controlled substance test and background checks.

APPLICATION CRITERIA
Please submit the following documentation for consideration:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Unofficial Law School Transcript
  • Recommendation Letter and/or Reference


WHAT WE OFFER

Collaboration with colleagues at all levels of leadership from all different disciplines, from Aviation to Maritime and beyond. Every day is different at Massport and the breadth of our impact on the Massachusetts region through our facilities provides many opportunities for our employees to grow, learn, and explore the many areas of our business.  Our business is all about connecting.  We support and take pride in the employees that make those connections possible each and every day. 

  • Work/life balance
  • A supportive and inclusive culture
  • Opportunities for growth
  • Providing safe, healthy, and secure work environment
  • Supporting the people and businesses of New England
  • Achieving results and having positive impact
  • Being good neighbors in the communities we serve
  • Protecting the environment

M

Massachusetts Port Authority

At the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), we connect Massachusetts and New England to the world—safely, securely, and efficiently. We are driving advancements in transportation, safety, customer service, environmental management and economic growth in the Commonwealth. We are committed to being good neighbors and strengthening community engagement, striving daily to be good stewards of the Commonwealth. Massport operates Boston Logan International Airport, Worcester Regional Airport, Hanscom Field, Conley Container Terminal and Flynn Cruiseport Boston, and manages over 450 acres of maritime industrial and commercial mixed-use property along the Boston Waterfront. We generate over $20 billion in economic value annually and support more than 100,000 jobs. Our ambitious goal is to achieve Net Zero by 2031, coinciding with our 75th anniversary. Our business is all about connecting. We support and take pride in the employees that make those connections possible each and every day.
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