The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has opened applications for its Spring 2027 Legal Internship in Geneva, Switzerland, offering graduate-level law students an opportunity to gain practical experience in international environmental law, human rights law, advocacy and legal research.
The internship will be hosted under CIEL’s Climate & Energy Program and is designed to provide aspiring environmental lawyers with hands-on experience working on legal and policy issues at the intersection of human rights and environmental protection.
Successful interns will work under the supervision of CIEL’s lawyers and other experts while contributing to research, legal analysis, advocacy, publications and international legal proceedings.
The internship is scheduled to begin as early as January 2027, depending on the intern’s academic programme and arrangements.
Application deadline: October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CET.
About the CIEL Legal Internship
CIEL is a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of human rights and the environment. Its team includes attorneys, campaigners, researchers and communications professionals working on international strategies related to environmental protection and the right to a healthy environment.
The Spring 2027 legal internship provides law students with an opportunity to develop practical skills in international environmental law and human rights law while contributing to real-world projects.
Interns will be supervised by experienced CIEL staff and attorneys and will have opportunities to explore developments in international environmental law and related legal fields.
The programme is particularly focused on developing the next generation of environmental lawyers and leaders through practical training and professional experience.
What Will the Legal Intern Do?
Depending on the projects assigned, legal interns may contribute to a range of legal and policy activities.
Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting research on domestic and international law
- Researching environmental and human rights law
- Examining international investment law
- Researching international trade law and policy
- Supporting policy analysis and advocacy
- Attending meetings and conferences
- Assisting with CIEL publications
- Contributing to legal opinions and legal briefs
- Supporting preparation of amicus curiae submissions before international tribunals
- Working closely with CIEL staff on various projects
The role therefore combines legal research and writing with exposure to advocacy and international policy processes.
Internship Stipend
A monthly stipend is available for interns who are eligible to receive it under the rules applicable to their jurisdiction and educational institution.
For full-time interns based in Geneva, the basic gross stipend is CHF 2,660 per month.
For interns working less than full time, the stipend is prorated according to their approximate level of commitment to CIEL.
The organization explains that the stipend is intended to make its internship programme more accessible to aspiring professionals. Applicants should review the official terms and confirm their individual eligibility for the stipend.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate programme leading to a degree at an accredited university for the duration of the internship.
Applicants are generally expected to be working toward a legal degree such as:
- LLM
- JD
- Another relevant graduate-level legal qualification
Applicants pursuing another graduate degree, such as a PhD or MA, may also be considered if they have already completed a legal degree.
An important requirement is that the internship must form part of the applicant’s academic study programme, as confirmed by their university.
The internship must also be validated through the awarding of study credits, such as ECTS or an equivalent system.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be available for a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks, with a commitment of at least 24 hours per week.
Legal interns who are neither Swiss nor citizens of an EU member state and who are not already located in Switzerland must undertake the internship full time.
Applicants should also have some prior experience with international environmental law or international human rights law. This experience may come from graduate-level coursework or comparable professional experience.
Can LLB Students Apply?
CIEL’s eligibility information also addresses applicants currently pursuing an LLB.
LLB students interested in applying must be able to demonstrate familiarity with international human rights law or international environmental law, either through relevant coursework or previous work experience.
Applicants who have already completed an LLM, JD or similar legal qualification may have a non-law degree as their current programme, provided that the subject is relevant to CIEL’s work.
Applicants who have recently completed their legal degree but are undertaking postgraduate coursework such as bar preparation or practical legal training should note that such programmes do not meet CIEL’s stated eligibility requirements for this internship.
Geneva-Based Internship
The Spring 2027 legal internship is based at CIEL’s office in Geneva, Switzerland.
Applicants should note that the internship cannot be undertaken remotely. Interns are required to work in person at the Geneva office.
CIEL states that it may be able to sponsor a student visa depending on the applicant’s nationality or citizenship. Prospective international applicants should confirm their individual visa situation with CIEL and the relevant authorities.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit three main documents:
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- Writing sample in English
The writing sample can be an academic or other piece of work that demonstrates the applicant’s writing ability. CIEL notes that undergraduate work may also be submitted as a writing sample.
Applicants should ensure that their documents clearly demonstrate their legal background, relevant environmental or human rights experience and interest in CIEL’s work.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Spring 2027 Legal Internship in Geneva is October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CET.
Applicants should submit their complete application before the stated deadline and ensure that all required documents are included.
The internship may begin as early as January 2027 and can last between 12 and 24 weeks, subject to the programme requirements.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the official CIEL careers platform and submit their cover letter, resume and English writing sample.
Applicants with additional questions can contact the CIEL internship team at:
Important Notice
Position: Spring 2027 Legal Intern
Organization: Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: 12–24 weeks
Minimum commitment: 24 hours per week
Stipend: CHF 2,660/month gross for eligible full-time Geneva interns
Start: As early as January 2027
Application Deadline: October 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CET
