Spring 2027 Legal Internship – Midwest Regional Office

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer. Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.

Earthjustice’s Midwest Regional Office fights proposed mines and pipeline projects that threaten the fishing and hunting rights of tribal communities and endanger the region’s treasures, including the Great Lakes and the pristine Boundary Waters. On those and other projects, they work in partnership with communities impacted by contaminated air, drinking water, waterways, and soil to fight for environmental justice and to develop safer and cleaner neighborhoods in which to live. The team is also developing work that will promote healthier, more sustainable agriculture and combat climate change.

About the role

The legal intern will gain hands-on experience in public interest litigation while deepening their understanding of environmental justice, tribal treaty rights, clean water protection, climate and energy issues, and other environmental challenges facing Midwest communities.

Responsibilities

• Support active litigation and advocacy across the Midwest region by conducting legal research.
• Draft legal memoranda and briefs.
• Help develop case strategy.
• Support work with tribal nations, community organizations, and partner groups.

Requirements

• Enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during spring 2027.
• Must commit to 16-20 hours/week for 10-12 weeks.
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with legal research tools, including Westlaw.
• Strong work ethic, initiative, and ability to think creatively.
• Ability to work collegially with others and independently.
• Knowledge of environmental and administrative law is a plus.
• Interest in public interest law and social justice.

Pay

Interns at Earthjustice receive an hourly rate that is considered taxable income. The spring 2027 hourly rate for law students is $36.86.

This is a part-time position. The successful candidate may work remotely within the U.S. or on a hybrid schedule from Earthjustice’s Chicago, IL office.