Summer Legal Internship  

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is currently accepting applications for  Summer Legal Internships for Summer 2024. Interns will work in one of the following offices: Asheville, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Chapel Hill, NC; Charleston, SC; Charlottesville, VA; Nashville, TN.  

This position is intended for second-year law students, and it provides the opportunity to be an integral part of a team working on a full range of issues of particular importance to the South – clean air, clean and adequate water, energy, forests, coasts and communities. It is a 10-week assignment.   

Interns can expect to do research and writing on litigation or other environmental advocacy in a substantive area. Depending on the project area, research may include federal and state environmental statutes and regulations, and procedural and evidentiary issues. In addition to research and writing, interns will also participate in strategy sessions, document review, client meetings, site visits, and other aspects of case or project management.  

Interns may also observe depositions, hearings, meetings on environmental policy with government officials and leaders of other environmental groups. We hold periodic seminars or lunch and learn sessions to introduce interns to a wide range of environmental issues and projects. Other special events and outings, including a summer hike or canoe trip, are regularly held. 

SELC currently has a hybrid work model that offers employees the flexibility to work at home up to two days per week. The hybrid work policy for Summer Interns will be determined by the individual SELC offices. All interns and employees must reside in our region.        

Qualifications:  

• Interest in environmental or non-profit career.
• Community service work.   
• Academic achievement.   
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC foster a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.   
• We value a demonstrated commitment to working with communities of color and other vulnerable communities. 

Eligibility:  

• Must be a second-year law student attending and in good standing at an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Must have a strong undergraduate and law school record.
• Must possess excellent writing skills.

About SELC:  

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of over 200, including more than 100 attorneys, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA., with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC. 

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 reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and allows diverse perspectives to come to the forefront. 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.southernenvironment.org/.  

Compensation:  

Legal interns receive $900 per week from SELC for the 10-week summer internship. SELC does not reduce this amount if interns receive additional outside funding. 

To Apply:  

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you can upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript or grade report (with date of birth and social security number redacted), and a list of three references. 

The application deadline for internships is October 1, 2023. We will accept and review applications on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.   

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. We still have much progress to make, but our goal is to create and maintain a staff that, at every level, reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of the communities where we work and the clients that we serve. Persons of all backgrounds—including people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates—are strongly encouraged to apply.