Internship & externship opportunities
Internship opportunities
Interns can expect to gain hands-on experience in public interest environmental law. Interns work on a variety of legal research and writing projects in support of litigation and broader advocacy efforts. Depending on the project area, research may involve federal and state environmental statutes and regulations, including procedural and evidentiary issues. In addition to conducting research, interns are immersed in case and project management, and encouraged to partake in educational out-of-office opportunities. For example, interns may join meetings on environmental policy with government officials and leaders of other environmental groups, watch court hearings, attend depositions, or participate in public hearings. We hold periodic seminars to introduce our summer interns to a wide range of environmental issues and projects, and host other special events and outings, such as hikes or canoe trips.
Learn how staffer Jean Zhuang went from intern to attorney.
I grew up with the forest as my home. It is close to heart, and something I want to continue to protect through work like I did this summer.
Hallie Lipsey, SELC Intern 2018
About SELC
At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and values diverse perspectives. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at https://www.selc.org/.
Application Process
SELC offers paid legal internships to second-year law students for the summer following their 2L year. These positions are part of our annual hiring cycle, with applications typically accepted through our online portal from August to early October. The number of openings varies each year, and internships are available in all SELC offices except Richmond, VA.
In addition, SELC offers paid summer internships to first-year law students through the Glynn D. Key Summer Intern Fellowship. This fellowship provides an opportunity for 1Ls to gain early exposure to environmental justice work during the summer following their 1L year. Applications for the Glynn D. Key Fellowship are accepted through our online portal from December to January.
For questions about our internship opportunities, please contact [email protected].
Externship opportunities
SELC believes that learning from actual experience is an important component of legal education. In addition to our summer internship program, we strongly urge second- and third-year law students to take advantage of our semester-long externship programs. Once a student has been accepted into this program, we will work with the faculty of the sponsoring law school to plan the program and ensure that all requirements for credit are met. While extern schedules can be flexible, typically we ask that students spend at least 15 hours (or 2 days) per week with us. With the exceptions of Richmond, VA, we are able to host legal externs in any of our offices. Our Washington, D.C. office can occasionally host in-semester externs, but please note those opportunities are more specifically focused on legislative affairs and policy work.
Application Process
SELC typically offers externships through programs with local law schools. To apply for an externship, please contact your law school to determine the appropriate application process and timeline. However, if your law school does not already have an externship relationship with SELC, you may send your cover letter, resume, writing sample, transcript or grade report (with date of birth and social security number redacted) and a reference list only to the office(s) you are interested in by emailing [email protected].
Externship applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
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 persons of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.