2L Summer Legal Intern

Southern Environmental Law Center; Birmingham (AL); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southern Environmental Law Center invites applications for 2L Summer Legal Interns, a paid opportunity for second-year law students for the summer of 2027. The program offers hands-on litigation support, policy engagement, and exposure to environmental issues across the South and nation.

Selected interns will work on research and writing, participate in hearings and client meetings, and attend training sessions.

Qualifications

• Second-year J.D. student in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school.
• Strong academic record.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Interest in environmental law and public interest is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Research and writing related to litigation and environmental advocacy.
• Participate in hearings, strategy sessions, client meetings, site visits, and depositions.
• Engage in environmental policy discussions with government officials and community groups.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

J.D. student

Job description

The Southern Environmental Law Center is now accepting applications for 2L Summer Legal Interns, a paid opportunity for second-year law students for the summer of 2027. Applications are due by October 14, 2026.

Primary Responsibilities

SELC’s summer legal internship program provides second-year law students with a unique opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation. Legal interns will address critical environmental challenges such as climate change, environmental justice, clean energy, healthy air, transportation and land use, clean water, wetlands and coasts, and forest protection.

Interns will engage in a variety of projects, such as:

• Research and writing related to litigation and other forms of environmental advocacy. Depending on the focus area, interns may conduct research on federal and state environmental statutes and regulations, as well as procedural and evidentiary issues.
• Participating in hearings, strategy sessions, client meetings, site visits, and/or depositions.
• Engaging in environmental policy discussions with government officials and community groups.

Interns also attend internal legal team meetings, specialized weekly training sessions, and group outings such as hikes or canoe trips. For more information on SELC’s docket and priorities, visit our website.

Logistics

• Locations: Asheville, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Chapel Hill, NC; Charleston, SC; Charlottesville, VA; Nashville, TN; and Washington, DC.
• Work Model: SELC offers a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office, with additional days as needed to support program needs.
• Duration: 10 weeks (40 hours per week), beginning June 1, 2027.
• Compensation: $9,000 for the summer ($900 per week for 10 weeks). SELC does not reduce this amount for additional funding received by interns from other sources. Interns based in our Washington, DC office are also eligible for a cost-of-living supplement.

Qualifications

We value the diverse paths and backgrounds that lead applicants to pursue this position, and we expect candidates to offer a variety of the following attributes and experiences:

• Second-year J.D. student in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school.
• Strong academic record, demonstrated through law school and/or other postgraduate coursework.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Interest in environmental law. Commitment to a career in public interest is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, communicate effectively with colleagues, and incorporate feedback.
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.

If you need an accommodation or have any questions or concerns about this posting or the structure of the internship program, please contact [e-mail].

SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. Qualified individuals of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.