Environmental Law Internships: Where to Look and How to Succeed

Feb 09, 2024

Written By Francesca Jackson

For aspiring lawyers wanting to pursue careers in environmental advocacy, sustainability and conservation law, environmental law internships are a great way of gaining valuable hands-on experience, fostering professional growth, and contributing to the protection of the environment. This article explains where to look for these kinds of internships, and how to succeed in them.

Understanding environmental law internships

Environmental law internships are opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience and exposure to environmental law practice. Environmental law is also becoming increasingly important as a way of addressing global environmental challenges.

Environmental law internships can take place in various settings. The private sector offers a large amount of internship opportunities, such as at law firms or companies. In the public sector, government agencies and departments may run internships. In the charity and NGO sector, non-profit organisations and environmental advocacy groups may also accept interns.

Interns are often involved in a diverse range of activities and projects, such as legal research, drafting documents, participating in client meetings, and supporting litigation efforts.

Finding environmental law internships

If you’re looking to find environmental law internships, the best place to start is by exploring online resources, such as job boards, university career centres and professional associations' websites.

Websites that are worth checking for UK environmental internships include:

Another good option is to attend career fairs, networking events, and informational interviews. These can help you learn more about internship opportunities and connect with professionals in the field.

It’s also worth asking lecturers about personal or alumni connections to those already working in the environmental law sphere.

The application process

When applying for environmental law internships, make sure that you tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant coursework, skills, and experiences related to environmental law. Customising your application materials for each internship opportunity is key to demonstrating genuine interest and suitability for the position.

You should also showcase any extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and relevant coursework that demonstrate your commitment to environmental issues. Even if you don’t have law experience, think about transferable skills you might have.

Preparing for success

Understanding what is expected of you is crucial to preparing for success in your internship. It is good to know the common tasks and responsibilities which you might be assigned as an intern, such as conducting legal research and assisting with client consultations. Try to think about how to perform these tasks to the best of your ability.

Similarly, you should also try to sharpen the skills and competencies which employers will be looking for, including critical thinking, attention to detail and legal writing.

Employers may also expect you to be familiar with environmental regulations, so try to keep up to date with relevant environmental laws and regulations, as well as current environmental issues and debates.

Succeeding in environmental law internships

To succeed in environmental law internships, aim to be professional and reliable, have a strong work ethic and meet deadlines. All these factors contribute to creating a positive impression, thus increasing your chances of future employment opportunities.

Communicating in a professional manner with supervisors and colleagues is also key to succeeding in your environmental law internship. As an intern, you will be engaging with various stakeholders, so communicate clearly to articulate information effectively. Actively listen to others too, as it demonstrates a genuine interest in their thoughts and ideas.

You should also proactively seek feedback from your employer to develop throughout the course of your internship. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning and take the initiative in seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth, too, as these can help you to advance your career.

Building networks and relationships

Networking with professionals in the environmental law field is a valuable way of expanding your professional network and accessing career opportunities.

Be sure to attend environmental law conferences, seminars, and networking events to meet industry professionals, exchange ideas, and learn about current trends and developments.

To help build meaningful relationships with mentors, supervisors, and peers, consider maintaining regular communication, offering assistance whenever possible and asking thoughtful questions about their work. This can help build long-lasting relationships that last beyond your internship.

Conclusion

Environmental law internships are crucial in shaping career paths and gaining valuable experience in the field. By taking proactive steps to pursue internship opportunities, apply your knowledge and skills, and build relationships with those in the environmental law community, you can give yourself the best chances of success in this exciting area of law.

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