U.S. Spring Legal Internship

EarthRights International • Washington, DC

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About The Position

EarthRights International (ERI), a nongovernmental nonprofit organization combining law and people’s power to defend human rights and the environment, seeks spring legal interns for its Washington, D.C. office. Remote work is available anywhere in the United States. The internship begins in Spring 2027 and lasts at least 10–12 weeks during the spring semester. Interns may work full-time or part-time and are integrated into ERI’s U.S. legal team, working with attorneys and staff across advocacy and communications programs.

Legal interns provide research, writing, and program support for ERI’s work around the world. They contribute to ERI cases and assist with all phases of litigation, development of new cases, monitoring developments in human rights and environmental law, exploring corporate-accountability mechanisms, and coordinating with groups pursuing domestic or international cases. Applicants must be law students eligible to receive course credit from their law school and must have at least one year of U.S. legal training by the time of the internship. J.D. and LL.M. students may apply.

The internship is unpaid. ERI cannot provide a salary, stipend, or housing assistance, but will work with interns to arrange course credit or a stipend through their school. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through December 1, 2026. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample of ten pages or less. ERI typically conducts phone and/or virtual interviews, but cannot interview every applicant.

Requirements

• Must be a law student (J.D. or LL.M.) able to receive internship course credit 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 and 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 human rights, environmental protection, and Indigenous peoples, including regional studies, development, or environmental sciences.
• Strong interpersonal and cultural competency skills, and 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 around the world.
• Assist with legal research, writing, and all phases of litigation in connection with ERI cases.
• Contribute to the development of new cases.
• Monitor and explore developments in human rights and environmental law.
• Research and use other mechanisms of corporate accountability.
• Help coordinate with and assist other groups bringing domestic or international cases.
• Work with ERI attorneys and staff in advocacy and communications programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed