Surfrider Foundation Summer and Semester-Based Legal Internship Program
The Surfrider Foundation offers legal internship opportunities for currently enrolled law school students through Surfrider’s Legal Department.
Legal interns work on a variety of projects related to Surfrider’s mission of the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people, including Surfrider’s five primary initiatives – clean water, ocean protection, coast & climate, preventing plastic pollution, and equitable beach access – as well as issues relating to operation as a 501(c)(3) organization.
Summer Legal Internship Program
Surfrider’s primary legal internship program takes place during the summer, with two placements typically available each year.
Summer internships are open to students currently enrolled in a law school program located in the United States who will have completed their 2L year before the internship begins. The program is intended for students participating during the summer between their 2L and 3L years.
Summer interns generally participate for 40 hours per week for 10 weeks. Start and end dates are flexible and are determined in coordination with each selected intern based on their law school schedule and availability.
Summer legal interns receive a stipend. The stipend amount, application deadline, required materials, and other details are included in the applicable internship posting.
Summer internships are remote. Surfrider Foundation’s headquarters is located in San Clemente, California, and interns located nearby may have opportunities to perform some work on a hybrid basis. Hybrid participation is not required.
Semester-Based Legal Internships
Surfrider offers a limited number of semester-based legal internships during the fall and spring semesters.
Semester-based internships are generally available to students in their 3L year who will receive academic credit, pro bono hours toward a certificate from their law school, or comparable credit. Semester-based interns are generally expected to commit at least 10 hours per week.
Students interested in a fall or spring internship may email the following materials to careers@surfrider.org:
The email should also include the student’s anticipated availability and the applicable academic-credit, pro bono, or comparable arrangement.
Current Opportunities
Applications for the Summer 2027 Legal Internship Program are now open.
Please review the current internship posting for eligibility requirements, application materials, the application deadline, stipend information, and instructions for applying:
Summer 2027 Legal Internship Program Application