The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is a nonprofit working at the intersection of human rights and the environment, staffed by attorneys, campaigners, researchers, and communicators who lead international legal strategies for the right to a healthy environment. Its legal internship program gives law students hands-on training in international environmental law and human-rights legal strategy, supervised by CIEL attorneys and experts. Interns research and write on domestic and international environmental, human-rights, investment, and trade law; assist with policy analysis and advocacy; attend meetings and conferences; and help prepare CIEL publications, legal opinions, and amicus curiae briefs. The US program is based in Washington, DC and may be carried out remotely from within the United States.
Benefits & funding
- Monthly stipend of US$2,600 for a full-time internship in Washington, DC, prorated for part-time commitments, available where the intern’s jurisdiction and educational institution permit.
- Direct mentorship from CIEL attorneys and experts in international environmental law and human rights.
- Substantive legal research and writing experience, with exposure to international tribunals, advocacy, and CIEL’s publications.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in a course of study leading to a postgraduate law degree (JD, LLM) or similar professional qualification for the full duration of the internship; recent graduates are not accepted.
- Some experience with international environmental or human-rights law, through graduate-level courses or work.
- Able to commit to ten weeks at 15 hours per week.
- Must carry out the internship while physically residing in the United States; remote work from other countries cannot be accommodated.
- CIEL cannot sponsor visas; non-US citizens must be currently enrolled students in the US undertaking the internship under a university-sponsored student visa.
- Open to applicants of any nationality who meet the above; undergraduate students are not eligible.
Application process
- 1Prepare a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample (avoid 1L legal memos; undergraduate work is acceptable). Do not send transcripts.
- 2Submit the application through CIEL’s BambooHR careers portal for the US legal internship.
- 3Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Program timeline
Fall 2026 US internship posting opened
Mar 27, 2026
Rolling
Applications reviewed as they are received
Selection expected to be complete
No later than July 2026
Ten-week internship period
Roughly June to August (dates flexible)