Summer 2027 Legal Internship

The Surfrider Foundation is the world’s largest grassroots coastal conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Surfrider Foundation is seeking two law school students for its Summer 2027 Legal Internship Program.

The internship is open to current law school students in the U.S. who will have completed their second year before the internship begins (between their 2L and 3L years).

Interns will work under supervision of Surfrider Foundation’s Legal Department and assist the legal team and staff, which includes a variety of ocean policy experts, with matters including research involving litigation and legislation at the forefront of ocean policy. The internship is designed to provide a wide range of legal, programmatic, and administrative experience relating to environmental and coastal issues of national and local significance, as well as issues relating to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

The internship program covers a diverse range of issues affecting our beaches and coasts, from the public trust doctrine to the Clean Water Act. It is an opportunity for law students dedicated to coastal law and policy to contribute to Surfrider’s legal and campaign work while developing practical legal research, writing, and analytical experience.

INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES:

• Provide detailed legal research and writing in support of Surfrider Foundation’s Legal Department and campaigns.
• Research issues involving litigation, legislation, ocean policy, and coastal governance.
• Assist with legal, programmatic, and administrative work relating to environmental and coastal issues of national significance.
• Research legal issues relating to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
• Provide general support to Surfrider Foundation’s Legal Department and staff.

ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Current enrollment in a law school program located in the United States.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the internship.
• Completion of the second year of law school before the internship begins, for participation during the summer between the applicant’s 2L and 3L years.
• Strong legal research, writing, analysis, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a remote environment.

Preferred

• Demonstrated commitment to coastal preservation.
• Experience or coursework relevant to Surfrider Foundation’s mission.
• Interest in environmental, coastal, nonprofit, or public-interest law.

Position Duration:

• Interns will be expected to participate in the program for 40 hours per week for 10 weeks during Summer 2027.
• Start and end dates are flexible and will be determined in coordination with each selected intern based on their law school schedule and availability.

Stipend:

Each intern will receive a total stipend of $7,500.

Tagged as: Internships