About the role#
NRDC is seeking law students for a full-time, paid Summer 2027 Legal Internship in Chicago. This program provides exposure to legal and policy advocacy across core issue areas including human health, equity and justice, climate and energy, and nature. Interns play an active role in supporting attorneys on cases and projects that protect the environment and public health.
What you'll do#
- Research and prepare legal memos in support of rulemaking proceedings and litigation.
- Interview NRDC members and prepare standing declarations.
- Draft and review portions of pleadings and legal briefs.
- Prepare comments for submission to administrative agencies or legislative bodies.
- Craft proposed legislation to address environmental and public health challenges.
What you'll need#
- Status as a current law school student (specifically 2L students, or part-time/dual-degree students who have completed at least one year of coursework and will not graduate before summer 2027).
- Strong legal writing, analytical, and oral communication skills.
- A commitment to public service, equity, or justice.
- A growth mindset and openness to feedback.
- Ability to work effectively on a team and with people across different backgrounds.
Location & details#
- Location: Chicago, Illinois.
- Modality: Hybrid. Interns are expected to be in the office 3 days per week (Tuesday through Thursday).
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Compensation: This is a paid internship.
How to get in at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Intern Insider's per-company playbook.
Securing an internship at the Natural Resources Defense Council requires staying ahead of the applicant pool. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first. Early applicants get seen before the pile grows. You should also focus on building professional connections to stand out. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates.
