Position Title: Summer Legal Intern
Reports to: Legal Director
Type: Full-time internship (10-week duration)
Location: Remote, flexible within the U.S.; option for a hybrid position in Boston, MA
ABOUT CATF
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid global development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. This is accomplished through research and analysis, public advocacy leadership, and partnership with the private sector. CATF is highly respected for its deep expertise and research on energy and industrial systems and potential strategies, technologies, and policies that can radically shrink their impact on the planet’s atmosphere. Our team of experts and advocates (and global network of subject matter experts and civil society partners) put this research and knowledge into action by designing and enacting public policies that drive toward zero emissions. We also support policies and work directly with private industry to innovate in technology to make the path to zero emissions swift and affordable. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world.
ROLE
Clean Air Task Force is seeking summer legal interns who share an interest in navigating the climate crisis through high-impact legal advocacy. Legal interns will work as members of CATF’s legal team on interesting and rewarding legal work that adds value to the organization’s mission. Students who are currently enrolled in law school are eligible to apply. Internships are intended to be full-time and span a duration of 10 weeks over the summer term.
The work of the Clean Air Task Force Legal team takes two primary forms: guiding our technical experts through state and federal advocacy, including on agency rulemakings and other policy advocacy, and litigating in federal court to promote strong environmental regulation and address the impacts of climate change. Topically, our work spans the following areas: methane pollution prevention, transportation decarbonization, power plants, superhot rock geothermal, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, land systems, clean energy infrastructure, and advanced nuclear energy.
Key Functions and Responsibilities:
Legal interns will have the opportunity to work with several attorneys on case development and litigation, as well as with technical experts on matters of policy. Students may draft pleadings and briefs, conduct legal research, develop strategy and legal theories, gather evidence, and attend client meetings, court proceedings, and internal program meetings. The summer program will also offer programming with CATF attorneys and with guest speakers on current environmental issues and career paths in environmental law, as well as opportunities to interact with partner organizations.
Skills/Qualifications:
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong legal research skills
- Strong proofreading and grammatical skills
- Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment
- Attention to detail
- Familiarity with technology and comfortable learning new technology
- Ability to work in a remote environment, with internet access
- Awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations
- Ability to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences
- Passion for CATF’s mission
Compensation and Location:
Our team primarily works remotely, with a preference for working East Coast hours. A hybrid option is also available where interns work from our Boston office as well as work remotely. CATF will provide a stipend for summer legal interns and will assist with any applications for external funding. Interns working during a fall, winter, or spring term will receive law school credit. CATF welcomes applications from both 1L and 2L candidates.
CATF provides equal employment opportunities.