Law & Policy Clinic

Coastkeeper hosts a competitive legal internship program in the hope of training the next generation of environmental attorneys by providing “real-world” experience in the field of environmental advocacy.  Through this semester long internship, law students learn the intricacies of environmental law and how local, state, and federal regulations impact the environment and the people who rely on and enjoy our beautiful inland and coastal areas.

Once accepted into our program, legal interns will assist our legal staff in performing daily responsibilities, which may include assisting in the drafting of briefs, motions, comment letters, conducting legal research, case investigation, or preparing testimony for administrative hearings.  The type of work is diverse, rewarding and a marked alternative to those interested in life outside a “big law firm.”

In addition to practical legal experience, law students will learn how environmental non-profit organizations interact with diverse interest groups such as community groups, regulated industries, and government regulators to achieve measurable improvements in our local environment.

This internship is ideal for law students interested in the intersection between public policy, environmental law and the impact those decisions have on our natural world.  If this sounds like you, please apply!

Schools that have Participated

  • Chapman Law School
  • Cornell Law School
  • Lewis & Clark Law School
  • Whittier Law School
  • Loyola Law School
  • University of California, Irvine School of Law
  • University of Arkansas School of Law
  • Tulane University Law School

Qualifications

Applicants should have completed their first full year of law school and have an interest in environmental law and advocacy with excellent research and writing skills.  Experience with environmental and administrative law is preferred but not required.

Application

Please submit your Application,a resume, and a brief writing sample to our Staff Attorney by before our deadlines.  Our deadlines are as follows:

  • Fall Session:  Second Friday of July
  • Spring Session:  Second Friday of November
  • Summer Session: Second Friday of February

Clinic staff will coordinate with interns and participating law schools to provide course credit.  Coastkeeper does not provide financial compensation to our Law & Policy Clinic interns.