The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is a dynamic, nonprofit organization that works at the intersection of human rights and the environment. CIEL is comprised of attorneys, campaigners, researchers, and communicators who have extensive experience in leading international strategies to advance everyone’s right to a healthy environment. Many of our program areas explore innovative developments in international environmental law and human rights, including in their direct link with other international legal fields, such as international investment law or international trade law.

Our legal internship program offers a unique opportunity for law students to develop skills in the field of international environmental law, and using legal strategies to protect human rights and the environment. Learning from and supervised by a diverse staff of experts and attorneys, internships offer insight into innovative developments in international environmental law and human rights, by honing thoughtful and creative research and analysis. Offering this internship is central to CIEL’s mission of developing the next generation of environmental leaders and lawyers through real-world training and practice.

Responsibilities of a legal intern may include researching and writing about areas of domestic and international law, including environmental and human rights law, international investment law, and international trade law and policy; assisting with policy analysis and advocacy; attending meetings and conferences; assisting with the production of CIEL publications, legal opinions and legal briefs; support in the preparation of amicus curiae before international tribunals and otherwise working closely with CIEL staff on various projects. Successful applicants generally possess excellent research and writing skills and a strong dedication to public interest law.

Notes:

• Internships for the fall session may start as early as September, 2026.
• These internships will be under the supervision of CIEL's Climate & Energy Program.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program leading to a degree with an accredited university for the duration of the internship.
• Applicants are expected to be working towards a legal degree (e.g., LLM, JD) .  Other graduate degrees in related fields (e.g., PhD, MA) will be considered if the applicant has already completed one legal degree.
• This internship must be part of the study program for the degree, as confirmed by the participating university.
• The internship must be validated by the awarding of study credits (ECTS or equivalent).
• Applicants are required to be available between a minimum of 12 weeks to a maximum of 24 weeks, for at least 24 hours/week.  Legal interns who do not have citizenship in Switzerland or an EU member nation and who are not already in Switzerland may only intern full time.
• Applicants should possess some experience with international environmental or human rights law, either through graduate-level courses or comparable work experience.