Spring 2027 Legal Internship – Washington, DC Regional Office

About the Organization

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.

About the Role

Earthjustice’s Washington, DC Regional Office is accepting applications for one part-time legal intern for spring 2027. We are seeking law students who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. This is a paid position, and the successful candidate may work remotely within the U.S. or on a hybrid schedule from our Washington, DC office.

Earthjustice's Washington, DC Regional Office serves both as a regional office for issues arising in the mid-Atlantic states, and as a center for litigation on important national environmental issues. The DC office's docket currently includes litigation and advocacy to:

• Protect public health and the environment from air pollution;
• Secure effective regulation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;
• Protect streams, wetlands, and other waters from pollution and outright destruction;
• Advance energy efficiency; and
• Promote a transition to zero-emission transportation systems to protect local communities’ health and well-being and combat climate change.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, the legal intern will work on case development and litigation-related projects. Interns might:

• Draft pleadings and briefs;
• Conduct legal and factual research and draft memoranda;
• Analyze caselaw, regulatory, and policy questions;
• Develop strategy and legal theories;
• Gather evidence; and
• Attend client meetings and court proceedings.

Requirements

• Enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during spring 2027;
• 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;
• Must commit to 20 hours/week for 11 weeks.

Pay

Interns at Earthjustice receive an hourly rate that is considered taxable income. The spring ’27 hourly rate for law students is $36.86.