Program Intern, Legal

Company Description

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Are you a driven law student with a demonstrated interest in business, problem-solving, and the practical application of law in a corporate environment? Pilot Company is seeking a Legal Intern to join our team in Knoxville, TN, for the summer of 2027. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working on research and analysis and legal issues that directly contribute to our operational efficiency. 

In this role, you'll be an integral part of the Legal team, gaining exposure to a wide range of subject matter areas within a well-rounded corporate practice, including commercial contracting, technology transactions, intellectual property, compliance, operations, and corporate legal support functions. This is an ideal position for a law student who thinks creatively and can use their legal skills to tackle real-world business challenges. 

Unlike legal internships that focus solely on research, Pilot interns work on substantive projects that provide direct exposure to how an in-house legal department partners with the business. Interns regularly interact with professionals across multiple functions and gain insight into how legal advice influences decision-making throughout the organization. 

What You’ll Do 

• Conduct legal research and writing on a variety of corporate legal issues 

• Analyze complex legal problems and provide actionable recommendations 

• Handle complex legal research and analysis that has a direct and significant impact on our business 

• Collaborate with attorneys and business stakeholders across the enterprise to solve practical business challenges and support strategic initiatives 

• Contribute to improving the efficiency of the legal department's processes 

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For 

• Education: A current law student who will have completed at least one year of law school by the start of the program; however, two years is preferred. 

• Experience: A strong background in legal research and writing is required and experience in a fast-paced legal or corporate setting is preferred. Participation in a business law clinic and/or law review or another legal journal is also a plus. 

• Technical Skills: Proficiency with the Microsoft Suite is required and a basic understanding of AI use in a legal context is beneficial. 

• Soft Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, a high level of professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills. We're looking for someone with the ability to find practical solutions to complex problems and work both collaboratively and independently. A demonstrated interest in business is highly valued. 

Additional Information

Why Pilot Company? 

Our culture is built on four core virtues: Driven, Reliable, Authentic, and Welcoming. As an intern, you will see these values in action every day. You'll be part of a team that is driven to deliver high-quality legal work, reliable in its support of the business, authentic in its communication, and welcoming to new ideas and perspectives. 

This is a full-time, in-person internship running from June 7 – August 13, 2027.  You’ll be working alongside our team in Knoxville, TN, where you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and experience the full scope of life at Pilot Company. 

How to Apply 

If you're ready to take on a challenging and rewarding internship with a leading company, please submit your application. The interview process will include a screening with a recruiter, a 30-minute interview with the legal team, followed by a final interview with the senior leader. We look forward to hearing from you!