Legal Intern (Summer 2025)

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP 

In accord with our mission to build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders, ELI provides opportunities for law students to join us at the Institute. We welcome applications from current law students interested in working as an intern during the summer of 2025 (approximately June – August). 

Legal interns work closely with ELI experts on domestic and international research projects spanning ELI’s full range of program areas. Legal interns also may assist in the editing and production of ELI publications, such as the Environmental Law Reporter. Legal interns provide crucial support for ELI projects and publications by conducting legal and policy research, analyzing environmental laws, attending and reporting on briefings and current events, drafting memoranda and other products, and otherwise assisting in the preparation of published materials. 

We encourage legal interns to supplement their work experience by attending the seminars and events that ELI hosts, as well as social and networking opportunities provided by ELI and our partners.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Eligibility is limited to students enrolled in law school. 
• Broad knowledge of or interest in environmental, energy, or natural resource law and policy, or related field. 
• Excellent skills in policy and legal research and analytical writing. 
• Ability to become proficient in new issue areas and contribute to creative, rigorous, analytical approaches to address them.  
• Strong communication skills.  
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills.  
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds. 
• Skills in languages other than English and bringing diverse perspectives to ELI as a result of the applicant’s life experiences are appreciated. 

ABOUT ELI 

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an environmental law, science, and policy center that makes law work for people, places, and the planet. We envision a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law. Our mission is to foster innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress. 

ELI’s Research and Policy experts develop innovative legal and governance solutions to challenges in areas such as climate change; environmental justice; natural resource management; land conservation and smart growth; biodiversity loss and habitat destruction; and air, water, and soil pollution. Together, ELI’s staff aims to: 

• Build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders and institutions 
• Research and analyze complex and pressing environmental challenges 
• Promote and disseminate the best thinking through print and electronic media 
• Work with partners to develop and implement laws, policies, and other means to protect the environment and society 
• Convene people with diverse perspectives to build understanding through robust dialogue 

For more information on ELI’s programs, visit https://www.eli.org/programs.

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply, submit an application package via ELI's online application system by clicking the Apply button. Note that your submission must contain the following uploaded documents (Word or PDF format), as follows:   

• Cover letter   
• Resume (including college and law school GPAs) 
• List of 3 references 
• Law school transcript  
• A writing sample 

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 AT 11:59PM EDT AND WILL BE REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS. You must use ELI’s online application system; ELI cannot accept applications submitted by email, USPS or other shipping service, or hand delivery. 

Please note that to ensure the health and safety of the ELI workforce, any offer of employment from ELI is contingent on candidates providing proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.  ELI management will consider requests for religious or medical exceptions, consistent with applicable law.    

ELI is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to achieving an inclusive, diverse workforce that values every individual. We firmly believe that hiring individuals with varying perspectives and backgrounds contributes to our success as an organization, and we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusiveness. As such, minority candidates and candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.