15 Environmental Law Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- Nov 14, 2025
- 10 min read
If you are an undergraduate student interested in how law connects to environmental protection, an internship in environmental law can be one of the best ways to understand the field beyond your coursework. You get to work on research, policy reviews, and case documentation while observing how legal teams handle issues like climate regulation, land use, and sustainability compliance.
How can I intern in environmental law as an undergraduate?
Many organizations across the United States, including law firms, environmental nonprofits, and government agencies, offer opportunities for undergraduates to assist attorneys, policymakers, and advocacy teams. These internships also strengthen your academic and professional profile by showing your initiative in combining legal studies with environmental issues.
With that, here are 15 environmental law internships for undergraduates!
15 Environmental Law Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Earthjustice, multiple offices across the U.S. (hybrid options available)
Cost: No cost. A stipend of $18.67/hour for undergraduates
Program Dates: Typically offered May–August (summer), August–December (fall), January–May (spring); duration up to 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines: Fall (April), Spring (August), Summer (February)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates, graduate, and law students with a demonstrated interest in environmental justice and advocacy
The Earthjustice Undergraduate Internship Program offers paid opportunities for students to support environmental advocacy and legal work at one of the nation’s leading nonprofit environmental law organizations. As an intern, you will contribute to projects such as drafting research memos, assisting attorneys and policy staff, and supporting communications campaigns tied to ongoing cases. In addition to research, you may join strategy meetings, collaborate across legal, policy, and communications teams, and participate in outreach to impacted communities.
Location: Environmental Defense Fund, Various U.S. Offices
Cost: Paid (interns receive a stipend; exact amount may vary by position)
Program Dates: Fall (August–December), Spring (January–May), Summer (June–August; 10–12 weeks full-time)
Application Deadline: Fall positions posted in early August, Spring positions in November, Summer positions in mid-February
Eligibility: Open to current and recent undergraduate and graduate students
The Environmental Defense Fund Internship Program gives students practical experience in environmental law, policy, and advocacy. You are paired with EDF mentors who guide you through project-based assignments that align with the organization’s mission. The summer program is the main session, involving about 100 interns working full-time. You take part in professional development workshops, speaker sessions, and networking events, including meetings with EDF’s president. Project areas include climate change, clean energy, conservation, and environmental justice, with opportunities to work with EDF’s legal, policy, and scientific teams.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Program Dates: September–December or January–May (part-time, up to 20 hours per week)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions with priority around September 15 for Fall, similar for Spring
Eligibility: Open to Columbia/Barnard undergraduates, master's students, and law students from any institution for the summer
The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Internship is a part-time academic-year opportunity for students interested in climate law and policy. As an intern, you will assist with research projects such as the Cities Climate Law Initiative, where you might track preemption laws, conduct legal and policy research, and contribute to reports and online resources. Depending on your interests and skills, you may also support the Climate Litigation Database or help with communications efforts. You will work directly with faculty and fellows, gaining exposure to real-world legal and policy analysis in the climate space.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Free (CLS students may receive nonprofit summer funding or pro bono credit)
Program Dates: June–August (8–10 weeks, full-time)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in spring; deadlines vary
Eligibility: Open to Columbia/Barnard undergraduates, master’s students, and law students from any institution
The Sabin Center Summer Internship Program is a full-time opportunity where you work on projects related to climate change law and policy. If you are a law student, you focus on topics like energy regulation, environmental law, and climate litigation. If you are an undergraduate or master’s student, you contribute to research on sustainability and climate policy. In the past, interns have worked on publications about greenhouse gas regulation, methane removal, and anti-ESG litigation. You work closely with faculty director Michael Gerrard, executive director Michael Burger, and research fellows, gaining guidance and experience in how law and policy shape climate action.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by format
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including fall, spring, summer, and winter
Application deadline: Varies depending on the cohort—Summer: May | Winter: November | Spring: January | Fall: September
Eligibility: College students and young professionals who can work for 5–10 hours/week for eight weeks
Ladder University Internship Program offers undergraduate students the chance to work directly with startups that have raised over $1 million in funding. These startups operate in areas like engineering, technology, and related fields. During the internship, you work on projects with guidance from a startup manager, helping you learn how startups function and what day-to-day operations look like. You also build practical skills and explore potential career paths in your field. At the end of the program, you present your work to the organization, summarizing what you accomplished and learned.
Location: Various EPA offices nationwide
Cost: Paid; salaries range from GS-02 to GS-07 depending on role
Program Dates: Summer, semester, and year-round opportunities (10–12 weeks typical)
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle; check USAJobs.gov for current postings
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time in an accredited degree program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Internship Programs offer undergraduates direct experience in federal environmental law and policy through tracks like the Pathways Internship Program and student trainee positions. As an intern, you may assist attorneys and staff with legal research, policy development, regulatory compliance, enforcement, and environmental justice projects. You will learn how federal environmental statutes are applied in practice while contributing to cases and initiatives. Internships are available year-round with flexible schedules that fit academic calendars.
Location: Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide, Eugene, OR (remote or in-person)
Cost: Free (students often use school funding/credit)
Program Dates: Spring (April–June); Summer (July–September); Fall (October–December); Winter (January–March)
Application Deadline: Rolling; positions posted as available
Eligibility: Current undergraduates with strong research and writing skills; interest in environmental protection; second language preferred but not required; ~10 hours/week for 10 weeks (flexible)
The ELAW Undergraduate Internship offers a flexible, hands-on experience for students interested in international environmental law and advocacy. You will be matched with core teams: Law, Science, Defending Defenders, or Economics, based on their skills and academic interests. You will conduct research, draft briefings or summaries, and may assist with limited organizational support while learning how global public-interest environmental work is advanced. Internships can be fully remote or based at ELAW’s Eugene office, with weekly check-ins and optional participation in team meetings and public events.
Location: Montreal, Canada (in-person, virtual, or hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: Internships are typically unpaid; some may offer modest compensation depending on funding
Program Dates: Flexible; placements range from 1 week to 12 months
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications accepted year-round, even when no active postings are listed
Eligibility: Open to students and recent graduates living or studying in Canada, the U.S., or Mexico.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation Internship Program offers flexible placements for students interested in environmental governance, international cooperation, and trade-environment linkages. Internships may be virtual, in-person, or hybrid, and can range from short-term projects to year-long roles. Depending on your placement, you may be remunerated and contribute to policy analysis, international environmental law initiatives, or cross-border collaboration efforts. You will gain firsthand experience with CEC’s work in fostering cooperation among the United States, Canada, and Mexico on shared environmental challenges.
Location: U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. (with opportunities nationwide)
Cost: Free; interns may be eligible for the Transit Subsidy Benefit Program
Program Dates: Fall (August–December), Spring (January–May), Summer (May–August); 10–12 weeks minimum commitment
Application Deadline: May 1 (Fall), August 1 (Spring), October 5 (Summer for 2Ls and 3Ls), January 15 (Summer for 1Ls)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (enrolled at least half-time), public policy graduate students, 1L (second semester), 2L, 3L law students, and law graduates enrolled in LLM programs
The U.S. Department of the Interior – Office of the Solicitor Internship offers undergraduates a rare chance to gain hands-on experience in federal environmental law and policy. As the legal branch of the Department, the Office of the Solicitor supports agencies including the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Land Management. Interns and externs assist attorneys with legal research, drafting memoranda and briefs, preparing motions, and supporting discovery. You may also attend hearings, meetings, and strategy sessions with attorneys from the Department of Justice and other federal agencies.
Location: Washington, D.C., and U.S. Department of State offices nationwide
Cost: Paid; interns receive compensation according to federal guidelines
Program Dates: Summer (May–Aug), Fall (Aug–Dec), Spring (Jan–May); exact dates vary by bureau and assignment
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle; updates announced on program site
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; undergraduate juniors and seniors or graduate students enrolled in an accredited college/university; minimum GPA 3.2; must be able to obtain a Public Trust, Secret, or Top Secret clearance.
The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program gives you a rare opportunity to gain firsthand experience in diplomacy and public service. As an intern, you’ll support Foreign Service and Civil Service officers across various bureaus, contributing to policy analysis, drafting reports and cables, preparing materials for senior officials, and assisting with international meetings and conferences. Some roles involve research on environmental and international law, helping you understand how legal frameworks shape foreign policy. You’ll also engage with both U.S. and foreign audiences, promoting U.S. policy and culture abroad.
Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC (internships across North Carolina)
Stipend/Cost: $5,000 summer scholarship for unpaid internships
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate students at UNC–Chapel Hill with an interest in environmental law
The UNC Institute for the Environment Environmental Law Internship Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing unpaid summer internships in environmental law. If selected, you’ll receive $5,000 to fund a placement with a nonprofit, private sector organization, or government agency in North Carolina. Alongside your internship, you’ll be paired with a UNC Law School alumnus mentor who will offer professional guidance and insight into legal careers. This scholarship is designed to help you gain real-world experience, build legal skills, and explore career pathways in environmental protection.
Location: Washington, D.C., and international WRI offices (India, Brazil, China, U.K., and more)’
Cost: No program fee; Most internships are paid; compensation varies by department and location
Program Dates: Year-round; most internships last 2–3 months during summer, fall, or spring terms
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines vary by position and are posted on the WRI Careers Portal
Eligibility: Open to current undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates.
The WRI Internship Program gives you practical experience in global environmental research and policy work. You may help write policy briefs, study regulatory trends, or assist with legal research on climate law, energy transition, and sustainable development. The program shows how data and research shape environmental policy and legal action worldwide. You work closely with mentors and project leads at the World Resources Institute, gaining insight into how law, science, and policy connect in environmental decision-making.
Location: United Nations Headquarters (New York City) and global UN offices, including Geneva, Nairobi, and Vienna
Cost: Unpaid; interns are responsible for travel, visa, housing, and living expenses.
Program Dates: 2–6 months; available year-round based on departmental needs
Application Deadline: Rolling; specific deadlines vary by department and office
Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s program, or in a graduate (master’s or Ph.D.) program, as well as recent graduates (within one year).
The United Nations Internship Programme gives you direct experience in international policy, law, and diplomacy. You can work with divisions like UNEP, UNDP, or UNFCCC, which focus on environmental regulation and governance. Your work may include drafting policy briefs, researching environmental treaties, and observing global climate negotiations. The internship helps you understand how international laws and agreements are shaped while giving you a chance to take part in meetings and conferences at the UN.
Location: Geneva, Switzerland (UNEP Headquarters for CITES Secretariat)
Cost: Unpaid; interns must arrange their own travel, visa, accommodation, and insurance
Program Dates: Typically 3–6 months; offered year-round depending on office needs
Application Deadline: Rolling; current openings listed through the UN Careers portal (e.g., CITES Legal and Enforcement Unit: November 7)
Eligibility: Open to students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or enrolled in a graduate program in law, environmental studies, political science, or international relations.
The UNEP–CITES Legal and Enforcement Unit Internship lets you work on the legal and policy side of international environmental protection. You assist the CITES Secretariat in reviewing national wildlife trade laws, researching treaty compliance, and helping develop strategies to stop illegal trade in endangered species. You gain experience in how international environmental law functions by analyzing case files, supporting compliance reviews, and observing intergovernmental meetings that guide biodiversity policy. The internship helps you understand how law and enforcement work together under global environmental agreements.
Location: Paris, France (headquarters), with hybrid and remote options available
Stipend: €1,000/month for interns based in Paris
Program Dates: Flexible; internships last 1–6 months and may be extended to 12 months
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to full-time undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students with strong research and communication skills. Proficiency in English or French is required.
The OECD Internship Programme lets you work on international policy related to the environment, climate governance, and sustainable finance. You assist policy teams in areas like environment, governance, and finance by researching global environmental laws, data-based policy results, and sustainability strategies. The internship helps you understand how international organizations shape environmental law through regulation, cooperation, and compliance work. It is useful if you want to learn how legal and economic systems guide environmental policymaking.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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