[Hiring] Spring 2027 Legal Internship @Center for International Environmental Law

Role Description

The legal internship program at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) offers a unique opportunity for law students to develop skills in the field of international environmental law, focusing on legal strategies to protect human rights and the environment. Interns will learn from and be supervised by a diverse staff of experts and attorneys, gaining insight into:

• Researching and writing about domestic and international law, including environmental and human rights law, international investment law, and international trade law and policy.
• Assisting with policy analysis and advocacy.
• Attending meetings and conferences.
• Assisting with the production of CIEL publications, legal opinions, and legal briefs.
• Supporting the preparation of amicus curiae before international tribunals.
• Working closely with CIEL staff on various projects.

Successful applicants generally possess excellent research and writing skills and a strong dedication to public interest law.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a course of study leading to a postgraduate law degree (JD, LLM) or similar professional qualification for the duration of the internship.
• Some experience with international environmental or human rights law, either through graduate-level courses or work experience.
• Willingness to make a ten-week commitment of 15 hours/week.

Requirements

• Applicants must be enrolled in a course of study leading to a postgraduate law degree (JD, LLM) or similar professional qualification for the duration of the internship.
• Experience with international environmental or human rights law, either through graduate-level courses or work experience.
• Willingness to make a ten-week commitment of 15 hours/week.

Benefits

• A monthly stipend of $2,600 for a full-time internship in Washington, DC, prorated for less than full-time internships.
• Stipends are intended to make the CIEL internship more readily available to aspiring professionals.

To Apply

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample (please, no legal memos). Please do not send transcripts.

Application Deadline

Spring 2027 US Internship Application Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026.

FAQ

• May I undertake my internship remotely? All CIEL legal internships may be carried out remotely, but applicants must reside in the United States during the internship.
• What time period does the spring session cover? Roughly January through May, although flexibility regarding starting and ending dates is possible.
• What should I submit as a writing sample? Submit something that demonstrates your writing ability, avoiding 1L legal writing memos if possible.
• May I apply to both offices? Yes, you may apply to both the Geneva and Washington, DC offices, but applying for internships with the Geneva office is a separate process.
• Will CIEL sponsor a visa for me? CIEL in the United States is unable to sponsor visas; non-US citizens must be currently enrolled students in the US.
• Does CIEL offer internships to college students? No, CIEL cannot offer undergraduate internships at this time.
• If you have further questions or need assistance, please contact [email protected] .