NASA Law Internship in 2026

Space law is no longer a theoretical specialty confined to academic journals -- it is a working practice area where attorneys negotiate international agreements for lunar exploration, draft regulations for commercial space stations, and resolve disputes over satellite spectrum rights, and NASA's Office of General Counsel is where much of that work originates.

What NASA's Office of General Counsel Does

NASA's Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is the agency's chief legal office, providing legal advice and representation to NASA leadership, program managers, and center directors across the full range of the agency's activities. The OGC is organized into practice groups that mirror the breadth of NASA's mission.

International law attorneys negotiate bilateral and multilateral agreements related to space exploration, satellite cooperation, use of foreign launch vehicles, and partnerships on programs like the Artemis Accords. As commercial space activity increases and more nations develop space capabilities, this practice area is growing rapidly.

Procurement and contract law is the largest practice group by volume. NASA spends the majority of its budget through contracts with private companies, and attorneys in this area review contract terms, resolve disputes, handle bid protests, and advise on acquisition strategy. Every major NASA contract, from the SLS to commercial crew to science instruments, involves procurement attorneys.

Intellectual property attorneys manage NASA's patent portfolio, negotiate technology licensing agreements, handle software release questions, and advise on data rights in contracts. NASA generates significant intellectual property through its research and development activities, and managing that portfolio requires specialized legal expertise.

Environmental law attorneys ensure NASA compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act, and other environmental regulations. Every major NASA facility action and many program decisions require environmental review.

Real property and legislation attorneys handle land use issues at NASA centers, draft proposed legislation, and advise on Congressional testimony and legislative strategy.

Ethics and employment law attorneys counsel NASA employees on ethics regulations, handle personnel actions, and advise on the complex rules governing federal employee conduct.

What Law Interns Do at NASA

Law interns at NASA perform substantive legal work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. The experience is designed to be comparable to a judicial externship or government agency internship, providing exposure to the actual practice of space and government law.

Common intern assignments include researching legal questions and preparing memoranda on topics ranging from international treaty obligations to federal acquisition regulations. Interns may also review contract documents, assist with FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests, support patent prosecution, draft portions of legal briefs, and attend meetings with program offices where legal advice is being provided.

The specifics depend on which practice group you are assigned to and which center hosts you. An intern at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., working in the international law division will have a very different experience from an intern at Kennedy Space Center working on procurement issues related to commercial launch agreements.

Interns also benefit from educational programming including lectures on space law topics, tours of NASA facilities, networking events with NASA attorneys and leadership, and exposure to the broader intern cohort. The opportunity to see the inner workings of a major federal agency from the legal perspective is an education that complements law school coursework.

Eligibility and Requirements

NASA law internships are primarily open to law students currently enrolled in accredited J.D. programs. Some positions may also be available to recent graduates who have not yet passed the bar, though these are less common.

There is no formal GPA cutoff published by NASA OGC, but the program is competitive and successful applicants typically come from the top portion of their class. Law review, moot court, or journal membership can strengthen an application but are not required.

Prior coursework in areas relevant to NASA's practice is helpful but not mandatory. Courses in international law, administrative law, intellectual property, government contracts, environmental law, and space law (if offered at your school) provide useful background. However, the OGC also values well-rounded candidates with strong research and writing skills regardless of their coursework emphasis.

Application Process and Timeline

The application process for NASA law internships differs from the OSTEM process used for science and engineering internships. Law intern positions may be posted through multiple channels.

Direct application to NASA OGC: The most direct route is to contact NASA's Office of the General Counsel, either at Headquarters or at the specific center where you want to intern. The OGC at Headquarters coordinates the summer law intern program and typically begins recruiting in the fall for the following summer. Check the NASA OGC website and follow up with a direct inquiry.

USAJobs postings: Some law intern positions are formally posted on USAJobs.gov under the GS-0999 (Student Trainee - Legal) or GS-0904 (Law Clerk) series. These postings follow the standard federal application process.

Law school career services: NASA OGC representatives may participate in government law recruiting events, job fairs, or on-campus interviews at law schools with strong government law or space law programs. Check with your career services office.

Third-party programs: Some NASA law internships are offered through external programs such as the Volunteer Service Agreement or through partnerships with specific law schools. These programs may have their own application requirements and timelines.

Stipend and Compensation

Compensation for NASA law internships varies significantly depending on the program pathway. Some positions are paid through the federal student trainee (Pathways) program at GS-7 or GS-9 rates, while others may be unpaid or offer modest stipends.

For unpaid positions, many law students obtain academic credit through their law school's externship or clinical programs. Check with your school's clinical program director about credit eligibility for a NASA placement.

The paid Pathways positions are the most desirable from a compensation standpoint and also offer a potential pathway to conversion to a full-time attorney position after graduation and bar admission. However, these positions are fewer in number and more competitive.

Housing in the Washington, D.C., area (for Headquarters positions) or near other NASA centers is the intern's responsibility. The D.C.-area cost of living makes unpaid or low-stipend positions financially challenging without external support.

Space Law as a Growing Legal Specialty

The legal landscape surrounding space activities is evolving rapidly, creating growing demand for attorneys with space law expertise. Several trends are driving this growth.

The commercialization of space is generating new legal questions about liability, property rights, licensing, spectrum allocation, and regulatory compliance. As companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Sierra Space expand their commercial operations, the volume of legal work related to space activities is increasing.

The Artemis program and its associated international framework, the Artemis Accords, are creating new international legal relationships that require negotiation, interpretation, and compliance monitoring. NASA attorneys are directly involved in negotiating these agreements and advising on their implementation.

Space debris mitigation is becoming a significant regulatory and liability issue. As the number of objects in orbit increases, the legal frameworks governing responsibility for debris, collision avoidance, and end-of-life disposal are developing. This area intersects with international law, environmental law, and regulatory policy.

Satellite spectrum management involves complex regulatory proceedings before the FCC and the International Telecommunication Union. As more large constellations are deployed, competition for spectrum and orbital positions intensifies.

For law students considering a career in space law, a NASA internship provides foundational experience and professional connections that are difficult to obtain elsewhere. The OGC alumni network includes attorneys who have gone on to work at the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation, major aerospace companies, space law boutique firms, and international organizations.

Career Paths After a NASA Law Internship

A NASA law internship can launch several distinct legal career paths.

NASA civil servant attorney: The most direct path. After passing the bar, former interns can apply for attorney positions (GS-0905 series) at NASA. Starting grades are typically GS-11 or GS-12, with experienced attorneys reaching GS-14 and GS-15. The Pathways program offers the most structured conversion pathway from intern to career employee.

Other federal agencies: NASA law experience transfers well to positions at the FAA (particularly the Office of Commercial Space Transportation), the Department of Commerce (NOAA satellite programs), the Department of Defense (space-related legal issues), and the State Department (international space agreements).

Private sector aerospace: Major aerospace companies including SpaceX, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and emerging space companies need in-house counsel who understand government contracts, export control regulations, and space-specific legal issues.

Law firms: A small but growing number of law firms have space law practices or serve aerospace clients. Experience at NASA provides the substantive expertise these firms value.

International organizations: The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the European Space Agency, and other international bodies employ attorneys working on space governance issues.

Explore legal, policy, and administrative roles at NASA and across the space industry on Zero G Talent or browse all career opportunities.

FAQ

Do I need to attend a specific law school to get a NASA law internship?

No. NASA does not limit recruitment to specific schools. However, law schools with space law courses or clinics (such as the University of Mississippi, University of Nebraska, Georgetown, or Leiden University for international students) may provide more direct pathways. Any ABA-accredited law school graduate can apply.

Can 1Ls apply for the summer internship?

Yes. NASA OGC accepts applications from 1L students for summer positions, though 2L candidates may have an advantage due to more completed coursework. 1L applicants should emphasize their pre-law experience and demonstrated interest in space or government law.

Is the internship always at NASA Headquarters?

No. While the Headquarters OGC in Washington, D.C., coordinates the program and hosts a significant number of law interns, positions are also available at NASA field centers including Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, and others. Center-based positions focus more on procurement, real property, and environmental law than on international space law.

What if my law school does not offer space law courses?

This is common and not disqualifying. Take the closest available courses (international law, administrative law, IP, environmental law, government contracts) and supplement with self-directed learning. The Journal of Space Law, proceedings of the IISL, and the Outer Space Treaty text are publicly available resources.

How does NASA law intern pay compare to BigLaw summer associate pay?

It does not compare favorably from a purely financial standpoint. BigLaw summer associates earn weekly rates that far exceed federal intern stipends. NASA law internships are chosen for the unique experience, career direction, and exposure to space law practice, not for maximizing summer earnings.