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Spring 2027 Legal Internship at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
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Publish Date 10/9/2026 Application Deadline 10/16/2026 Opportunity Type Internships Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World, The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) offers a legal internship for Spring 2027 through its Climate and Energy Program. The opportunity is intended for students pursuing advanced legal studies who want to gain practical experience in international environmental law and human rights.

Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside lawyers and experts on legal research, analysis, policy development, and advocacy. They may contribute to publications, legal memoranda, and materials related to international legal proceedings. The internship focuses on the relationship between environmental protection and human rights, including legal and policy issues associated with climate change and energy.
Details
  • Location: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Expected start date: January 2027 may be possible, depending on the applicant’s academic schedule and mutually agreed arrangements.
  • Duration: 12–24 weeks.
  • Weekly commitment: At least 24 hours per week.
  • Work arrangement: In-person at CIEL’s Geneva office. Remote internships are not available.
  • Potential responsibilities:
  • Conducting domestic and international legal research.
  • Examining issues related to international environmental law and human rights.
  • Researching international investment law, international trade law, and related policies.
  • Supporting policy analysis and advocacy activities.
  • Contributing to publications, research papers, and legal memoranda.
  • Assisting with submissions to international courts and tribunals.
  • Attending relevant meetings and conferences.
  • Collaborating with CIEL lawyers and experts on legal and policy projects.
  • Required application documents:
  • A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation and interest in CIEL’s work.
  • A résumé or CV.
  • An English-language writing sample demonstrating research and writing skills. This may be an academic paper or another suitable piece of writing.
  • Visa support: CIEL may be able to support student visa arrangements depending on the applicant’s nationality and circumstances, but this is not guaranteed for everyone.
  • Inquiries: internshipswitzerland@ciel.org.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a degree-granting graduate program at an accredited university and remain enrolled throughout the internship.
  • Their studies must be related to a legal qualification, such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Juris Doctor (JD), or an appropriate postgraduate legal qualification.
  • PhD or master’s students in another relevant discipline may also be considered, provided they have already completed a law degree.
  • The internship must be part of the applicant’s academic program and eligible for academic credit, such as ECTS credits or an equivalent system.
  • Applicants must be available for 12–24 weeks.
  • Applicants must be able to commit at least 24 hours per week.
  • Applicants should have prior knowledge or experience in international environmental law or international human rights law, acquired through graduate coursework or comparable professional experience.
  • Undergraduate law students may be considered if they can demonstrate knowledge of international environmental law or international human rights law through their studies or previous experience.
  • Applicants must be able to provide an English-language writing sample.
  • Non-Swiss applicants who are not citizens of an EU member state and do not already reside in Switzerland must undertake the internship on a full-time basis.
  • Applicants must comply with applicable Swiss visa, residency, and work requirements.
Opportunity Benefits
  • Monthly stipend: The standard gross stipend is CHF 2,660 per month for eligible full-time interns in Geneva.
  • Professional mentorship: An opportunity to learn from lawyers and specialists working on environmental law and human rights issues.
  • Practical legal research experience: Develop research, analytical, and legal writing skills.
  • Exposure to international policy: Gain insight into advocacy, policymaking, and international legal proceedings.
  • Contribution to real projects: Participate in preparing publications, legal memoranda, and research related to environmental protection and human rights.
  • Professional communication skills: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in an international working environment.
  • CV enhancement: Gain experience relevant to international environmental law, legal practice, and policy work.
  • Academic credit: The internship may count toward academic requirements if it meets the conditions of the applicant’s university and degree program.
  • Travel and accommodation: The available information does not confirm that CIEL covers travel or accommodation expenses. These should not be considered guaranteed benefits.
  • Stipend conditions: Eligibility for the stipend depends on the applicable conditions, including the intern’s educational institution and legal status. Part-time interns may receive a prorated amount.