Paid Spring Environmental Litigation Intern

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

NRDC is seeking Spring Litigation Interns to work with lawyers across our Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. offices.

The internship offers hands-on legal writing and research, supporting a broad range of environmental and public health litigation and policy advocacy. Interns work on concrete projects, including drafting memos, reviewing pleadings, and preparing comments for agencies or legislative bodies.

Qualifications

• This internship is designed for law school students who will be in their second (2L) or third year (3L) of a J.D. program or in an LLM program during spring 2027.
• Strong legal writing, analytical, and oral communication skills are required.
• Commitment to public service, equity, and justice; growth mindset and openness to feedback.

Responsibilities

• Assist NRDC lawyers with litigation and policy advocacy research.
• Draft and review portions of pleadings and briefs; prepare comments for agencies or legislative bodies.
• Research and prepare legal memos in support of rulemaking and active litigation.
• Interview NRDC members and prepare standing declarations; support case development.
• Contribute to environmental and public health matters across NRDC offices.

Skills

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Oral communication

Teamwork

Public service

Growth mindset

Diversity & inclusion

Academic/professional achievement

Education

2L/3L JD or LLM

Job description

NRDC is seeking Spring Litigation Interns to work with lawyers across our Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. offices.

The internship offers hands-on legal writing and research, supporting a broad range of environmental and public health litigation and policy advocacy. Interns work on concrete projects, including drafting memos, reviewing pleadings, and preparing comments for agencies or legislative bodies.