Remote - San Clemente, CA

ABOUT US:

The Surfrider Foundation is the world’s largest grassroots coastal conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. We have achieved many important victories by persuading state, federal, and local decision makers to protect vital coastal and ocean resources. These accomplishments demonstrate the important role of recreational users in advancing coastal and ocean stewardship. Since 1984, Surfrider's appeal is not only our strong reputation and track record of success, but also the lifestyle and values we embody.

By joining the Surfrider Foundation, you will be welcomed into an open and inclusive network of incredibly supportive and collaborative people who work hard and play hard. You will have the opportunity to work with dedicated people who are also passionate coastal users with their feet in the sand and toes in the water. You help bring together diverse voices and perspectives to provide our community with the leadership and tools necessary to make a difference at their beach and in coastal communities across the United States. At Surfrider, we build leaders and we are problem solvers; our culture sets us apart and influences everything we do. Coastal recreation is fun and working at Surfrider is too.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Surfrider Foundation is seeking two law students for its Summer 2027 Legal Internship Program.

The internship is open to current law students enrolled in a law school program who will have completed their second year before the internship begins (between their 2L and 3L years).

Interns will assist Surfrider Foundation’s Legal Department and staff, which includes a variety of ocean policy experts, with research involving litigation and legislation at the forefront of ocean policy and governance. The internship is designed to provide a wide range of legal, programmatic, and administrative experience relating to environmental and coastal issues of national significance, as well as issues relating to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

The internship program covers a diverse range of issues affecting our beaches and coasts, from the public trust doctrine to the Clean Water Act. It is an opportunity for law students dedicated to coastal law and policy to contribute to Surfrider’s legal and campaign work while developing practical legal research, writing, and analytical experience.

INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES:

• Provide detailed legal research and writing in support of Surfrider Foundation’s Legal Department and campaigns.
• Research issues involving litigation, legislation, ocean policy, and coastal governance.
• Assist with legal, programmatic, and administrative work relating to environmental and coastal issues of national significance.
• Research legal issues relating to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
• Provide general support to Surfrider Foundation’s Legal Department and staff. 

INTERNSHIP DETAILS:

Reports to: Sr. Staff Attorney, Staley Prom

Position Duration:

• Interns will be expected to participate in the program for 40 hours per week for 10 weeks during Summer 2027.
• Start and end dates are flexible and will be determined in coordination with each selected intern based on their law school schedule and availability.

Stipend:

• Each intern will receive a total stipend of $7,500.
• Internship stipends are made possible through the generous support of the Dillon Henry Foundation.

Location:

• This is a remote internship.

ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Current enrollment in a law school program located in the United States.
• Completion of the second year of law school before the internship begins, for participation during the summer between the applicant’s 2L and 3L years.
• Strong legal research, writing, analysis, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a remote environment.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated commitment to coastal preservation.
• Experience or coursework relevant to Surfrider Foundation’s mission.
• Interest in environmental, coastal, nonprofit, or public-interest law.

TO APPLY:

Please upload the following application materials to the link below:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in the internship and relevant experience
• Official or unofficial law school transcript
• Writing sample of no more than 10 pages

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

Applications must be received by 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time on September 15, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged. Only complete applications containing all required materials will be considered.

Email, phone, and walk-in inquiries will not be accepted. Thank you for understanding.

Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process may contact careers@surfrider.org.

JEDI COMMITMENT:

The Surfrider Foundation is committed to fostering a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization for all people who protect and enjoy the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches. Our success and impact depend on learning from our community, standing in solidarity with our allies and working towards a more just future, both for our organization and the environmental movement as a whole.

The Surfrider Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Together we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class.

To learn more about our Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion commitments, please visit: https://www.surfrider.org/pages/diversity-equity-inclusion