Legal Intern, Summer 2027

About the role

Join a dynamic and evolving Legal team at a mid-sized specialty chemical company committed to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. This paid internship runs approximately 13 weeks during summer 2026 with flexible start and end dates. The position is hybrid: generally 2 days per week in the office or at a plant (Houston, TX) and 3 days remote. Interns work full-time Monday through Friday. Housing is not provided. The internship will be split between a major project and daily tasks. As part of Kuraray's 100th anniversary in 2026, interns are encouraged to participate in commemorative projects and events.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in conducting a Risk Assessment
• Assisting in the maintenance and upkeep of a new contract management system
• Preparing training materials and presenting companywide
• Reviewing and creating contracts and contract clauses
• Conducting research on assigned issues, analyzing information, and summarizing findings
• Conducting comparative legal analyses on a range of issues in a given area, identifying legal and policy issues, researching relevant precedents, and proposing appropriate solutions
• Participating in projects to provide legal and compliance support

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school pursuing a J.D.
• Completed at least one year of law school before beginning internship
• Strong academic performance (minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA) and extracurricular achievement
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Demonstrated communication and leadership skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven track record of adaptability, innovation, initiative, and integrity
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Outgoing personality with strong people skills; comfortable engaging with individuals across various teams and levels
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Interest in the chemical industry and/or manufacturing
• Prior internship or project experience in-house is a plus
• Must have legal U.S. working authorization
• Must successfully pass pre-employment screening
• Must have a valid driver's license to drive in the U.S.
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Competencies

• Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions
• Business Insight – Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals
• Cultivates Innovation – Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful
• Action Oriented – Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm
• Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Drives Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Collaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Values Difference – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively – Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
• Courage – Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
• Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Situational Adaptability – Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Competitive salaries
• Incentive opportunities
• Excellent work environment

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday; hybrid (2 days on-site at Houston office or plant, 3 days remote). Approximately 13 weeks in summer 2026 with flexible start and end dates.

Pay

Paid internship; competitive salary and benefits package with incentive opportunities.