About the Internship
Are you passionate about international law, human rights, and climate justice? 🌎💼
The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) in Geneva, Switzerland is offering a Spring 2026 Legal Internship within its Climate & Energy Program — an exceptional opportunity for aspiring lawyers to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of human rights and environmental protection.
Founded to defend the right to a healthy planet, CIEL is a world-renowned nonprofit organization combining legal expertise, advocacy, and research to drive international action for environmental and climate justice. This internship gives graduate law students the chance to contribute directly to innovative global legal strategies for sustainability.
📍 Location: Geneva, Switzerland
🏛️ Host Organization: Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
🕒 Duration: 12–24 weeks (starting as early as January 2026)
🎓 Eligible Fields: Law (LLM, JD, or graduate legal studies)
💰 Stipend: 2,660 CHF/month (full-time)
🗓️ Application Deadline: 2 November 2025 (11:59 p.m. CET)
🌍 About CIEL
CIEL is a dynamic international legal NGO dedicated to using law as a tool for environmental and human rights protection. Its staff of attorneys, campaigners, and researchers work across issues like climate change, biodiversity, international investment law, and trade policy, helping shape global frameworks for sustainability.
Interns will work under the supervision of CIEL’s Climate & Energy experts and gain invaluable experience in policy analysis, legal drafting, advocacy, and international litigation.
⚖️ Responsibilities
As a Legal Intern, you will:
📚 Conduct research on environmental, human rights, investment, and trade law
🧠 Assist in drafting legal briefs, memos, and publications
🤝 Support policy advocacy and stakeholder consultations
🎤 Attend meetings, conferences, and UN sessions
✍️ Contribute to amicus curiae briefs before international tribunals
🌱 Engage directly in the global fight for climate justice
💰 Internship Benefits
✔️ Monthly stipend: 2,660 CHF (full-time, prorated for part-time)
✔️ Practical training under experienced international attorneys
✔️ Mentorship from experts in climate, human rights, and international law
✔️ Exposure to global environmental policy frameworks
✔️ Opportunity to participate in high-level meetings and advocacy initiatives
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
✅ Be enrolled in a graduate program (e.g., LLM, JD, or equivalent) during the internship period
✅ Have coursework or experience in international environmental or human rights law
✅ Be available for 12–24 weeks, at least 24 hours per week
✅ Demonstrate strong research and writing skills
✅ Be motivated to pursue a career in public interest or environmental law
Note: Internships at the Geneva office must be completed in person. CIEL may provide visa sponsorship depending on nationality.
🧾 Required Application Materials
📄 Cover Letter
📚 CV / Résumé
✍️ English Writing Sample (not a legal memo)
📩 How to Apply
Submit your application online via the official CIEL portal:
🌐 Apply here: https://cielorg.bamboohr.com/careers/117
📅 Deadline: 2 November 2025 (11:59 p.m. CET)
📧 For questions: geneva@ciel.org
