Environmental Legal Intern

Save the Sound is accepting applications for an Environmental Law Summer Intern in our New Haven, CT or Larchmont, NY Office for Summer 2025. Please specify in your cover letter which location you would prefer.

WHO WE ARE:  

Save the Sound is a leader in environmental action in the Long Island Sound region. We fight climate change and build resilient communities, save endangered lands, protect the Sound, and restore its rivers. We do this in many ways, from legal action and legislative advocacy to environmental monitoring, and hands-on volunteer efforts. For more than 50 years we’ve been ensuring people of all backgrounds and experiences can enjoy the healthy, clean, and thriving environment they deserve—today and for generations to come. 

The Legal Team advocates before courts, agencies, and the legislature to (1) ensure Long Island Sound and our watershed’s rivers and lakes are clean and support thriving ecosystems and communities, (2) mitigate climate change and promote clean air, (3) protect our last great endangered open spaces and habitats, and (4) promote environmental justice. 

Learn more about our legal work at Legal Docket - Save the Sound.  

THE POSITION: 

Save the Sound is seeking applications from current law students for an Environmental Law Summer Internship in our New Haven, CT or Larchmont, NY Office. This position is ideal for law students seeking experience in public interest environmental law and advocacy. The internship will involve legal writing and advocacy for cases pending before state and federal agencies and courts, as well as policy research. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

The candidate must be enrolled in law school. We will consider applications from rising 2Ls and rising 3Ls. The candidate should have an outstanding academic record, strong communication skills, and a demonstrated writing ability. 

A demonstrated commitment to a healthy environment and familiarity with Connecticut and/or New York are preferred, but not required. Availability to work on a Monday-Friday 9am-5pm schedule is strongly preferred, as is ability to be in the office 1-2 days per week. Alternative arrangements may be possible under unusual circumstances, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

TERMS & COMPENSATION: 

This is an unpaid position; however, we will provide any support and documentation needed to facilitate external funding opportunities. Exact dates of the internship are flexible but generally starts in June and lasts through mid-August, spanning 12 weeks, with a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week. This position involves being in the New Haven or Larchmont office at least 2 days/week. Other arrangements are not preferred but may be considered on a case-by-case basis. A small public transportation reimbursement may be available.

TO APPLY: 

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample and list of references. Please include in your cover letter if you prefer placement in the New Haven office or the Larchmont office and if you are available to be in the office 1-2 days per week. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  

We are a thoughtful and thorough organization. We will be in touch to acknowledge receipt of your application and to schedule selected applicants for an interview. You will be informed when the hiring process is complete. Please be patient. 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS COMMON TO ALL POSITIONS  

Save the Sound’s Commitment to Equity and Diversity  

Save the Sound is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.  

Our organizational leadership and staff are working to deepen Save the Sound’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to attract a more diverse applicant pool, and to add and retain more outstanding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to all levels of our team. We work in diverse communities and landscapes and are actively working to increase our focus on driving environmental justice and equitable outcomes through our work.  

Shared Organizational Job Responsibilities  

• Maintaining positive and productive working relationships with all Save the Sound staff members, including providing and receiving constructive feedback. 
• Participating in building productive relationships with Save the Sound's members, external partners, policy makers, and the general public. 
• Completing all administrative work on time, such as timesheets, purchase orders, project reports, and planning documents. 

Hybrid Work Arrangements  

Save the Sound currently has a hybrid in-office/remote work arrangement. Interns are expected to be in either of our offices at least 1 day per week (unless other arrangements have been made with their supervisor). Details of this arrangement are determined upon hire and employees must notify their manager of any necessary changes. It is at the manager’s discretion to amend the agreed to work arrangement dependent upon business needs, work performance or other factors.