The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 volunteer members and 81 chapters in the United States dedicated to beach preservation, water quality, beach access, coastal adaptation and protecting special coastal places. As an environmental organization, first and foremost, the organization’s activities are conducted with the intent to protect the coastal and nearshore ocean environment.

The summer legal internship is open to current law school students in their second year (for the summer between 2L and 3L year), and is located at Surfrider's headquarters in San Clemente, California (remote work may occur). Interns will assist the Legal Department and staff, which consists of a variety of ocean policy experts, researching issues involving litigation and legislation at the forefront of ocean policy governance. The position is designed to provide a wide range of legal, programmatic, and administrative experience relating to environmental and beach access issues of national significance, as well as issues relating to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Interns will be expected to provide detailed legal research, writing, and general support for our ongoing campaigns. The internship program covers a diverse range of issues affecting our beaches, from the public trust doctrine to the Clean Water Act, and is a wonderful opportunity for law students dedicated to coastal law and policy.

Interns will be expected to work 40 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks during the summer and will be offered a stipend, amount TBD, comparable to other non-profit organizations. Qualified candidates will possess strong writing, research, legal analysis, and communication skills. Demonstrated commitment to coastal preservation and other experience relevant to Surfrider Foundation’s mission is preferable.

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a resume, cover letter expressing interest and experience, transcript, and writing sample to Mrs. Staley Prom, Legal Associate, at legal@surfrider.org. Starting in the fall, interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. We strongly encourage early applications.

Internships are made possible with generous funding from the Dillon Henry Foundation.

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