U.S. Fall Legal Internship

EarthRights International • Washington, DC

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

EarthRights International (ERI), a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending human rights and the environment by combining law and people power, is seeking fall interns for its Washington D.C. office. ERI's U.S. Fall Legal Interns are law students who can commit to full-time or part-time work for a minimum of 10-12 weeks during the fall semester. These interns will provide crucial legal research, writing, and program support for ERI's global activities. Applicants can be J.D. or LL.M. students, but must possess at least one year of U.S. legal training by the internship's start. ERI has a 30-year track record of representing communities and individuals worldwide harmed by corporations, financial institutions, and governments, achieving significant legal precedents, compensation for clients, and changes in institutional behavior. Legal interns will be involved in various case-related projects, including research, writing, and litigation support. They will also contribute to new case development, monitor legal advancements in human rights and environmental law, explore corporate accountability mechanisms, and assist in coordinating with other domestic and international legal groups. Interns will be fully integrated into ERI’s U.S. legal team, working alongside attorneys and staff on advocacy and communications initiatives.

Requirements

• Must be a law student eligible to receive course credit for the internship from their law school.
• Must have at least one year of U.S. legal training by the time of the internship.
• Demonstrated commitment to using the U.S. legal system to serve vulnerable communities and/or protect human rights and the environment.
• Independent and creative thinking skills.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to responsibly handle client, partner, and colleague relationships.
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of ERI's work and communications.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in languages other than English; Spanish fluency is highly desired.
• Experience in fields related to issues of human rights, environmental protection and indigenous peoples, including regional studies, development, environmental sciences, or others.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Cultural competency skills.
• Ability to work in teams.
• Experience or interest in working with people from diverse cultures.
• A positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal research, writing, and program support for ERI activities.
• Participate in various projects associated with ERI's cases, including legal research, writing, and assistance in all phases of litigation.
• Contribute to the development of new cases.
• Monitor and explore developments in human rights and environmental law.
• Research and utilize other mechanisms of corporate accountability.
• Help to coordinate with and assist other groups bringing domestic or international cases.
• Work with attorneys and other staff in advocacy and communications programs.

Benefits

• Work with a leading legal organization in defense of human rights and the environment.
• Gain experience in groundbreaking lawsuits and legal advocacy.
• Opportunity to work on cases that have set legal precedents and brought compensation to clients.
• Fully integrated into ERI’s U.S. legal team.
• ERI is unable to provide a salary, stipend, or housing assistance, but will work with you to arrange course credit or a stipend through your school.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern