Environmental internships for law student?

I realize this isn't exactly trail related, and I apologize. That being said, I am starting my second year in law school and am looking towards next summer for possible internships. I would very much like to work in the field of environmental protection at least for the summer. Working in the renewable energy field would be a dream come true. Unfortunately I have been unable to find much out there. This may have to do with the fact that my law school is well known for oil and gas law, and all of the job search engines they subscribe to do not differentiate between energy and renewable energy (this didn't come as a shock).

I know the whiteblaze and AT community consists of a wide range of people and wanted to ask if anyone knows of possible openings or has any contacts in the renewable energy field. I'm not looking for a job, this can be unpaid work (although I won't turn down money), but it must be something in the legal field.

If this type of post is against the "spirit" of this wonderful website, I apologize again.

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Originally Posted by Disney

I realize this isn't exactly trail related, and I apologize. That being said, I am starting my second year in law school and am looking towards next summer for possible internships. I would very much like to work in the field of environmental protection at least for the summer. Working in the renewable energy field would be a dream come true. Unfortunately I have been unable to find much out there. This may have to do with the fact that my law school is well known for oil and gas law, and all of the job search engines they subscribe to do not differentiate between energy and renewable energy (this didn't come as a shock).

I know the whiteblaze and AT community consists of a wide range of people and wanted to ask if anyone knows of possible openings or has any contacts in the renewable energy field. I'm not looking for a job, this can be unpaid work (although I won't turn down money), but it must be something in the legal field.

If this type of post is against the "spirit" of this wonderful website, I apologize again.

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I have a neice who's also a law student. She interned this summer with Robert Kennedy Jr. I forget the organization he's associated with, but he qualifies as one of the leading environmental lawyers and environmental spokesmen. I suspect a google search on his name will supply the contact information you need.

Weary

You can also contact the offices of many Indian reservations/Sovreign Nations across the U.S.. There are usually openings for internships, especially in the environmental fields. PM me if you need further info or contact numbers.

Check here Disney. This is a great resource. Good luck!

http://www.orionsociety.org/pages/ogn/ics.cfm

Thanks alot. I knew there had to be more out there.

I realize that you asked for an internship, but I do know of this.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
August 28, 2006

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II – Compliance Specialist (Environmental Program Planner), #P4336; Richmond, VA; Salary: Negotiable – Based on Experience. The Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources, Office of Ground Water Withdrawal Permitting seeks a qualified candidate to assure consistent application of the Ground Water Withdrawal regulation through a program of inspections, compliance determinations, documentation and tracking of findings, and recommends and initiates compliance and enforcement actions necessary to remedy non-compliance. The position assists the regulated community in complying with State laws and regulations governing ground water withdrawals to address risks to human health and the environment; and provides technical expertise and inspection/compliance support to the regional offices, technical staff, enforcement staff, and agency management regarding unlawful withdrawals and/or permit compliance.

Qualifications include considerable knowledge of the Ground Water Management Act of 1992, state and federal ground water withdrawal administrative and constitutional laws and regulations, hydrogeology and geology of Virginia, enforcement procedures, and informal administrative proceedings. Must demonstrate and possess project management skills, including case analysis, development and presentation, legal research and writing, negotiation and dispute resolution; excellent PC, database, and communication skills, orally and in writing. Degree in environmental, natural, or physical science, water resources engineering and/or law or equivalent training/experience preferred. The Commonwealth does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work. Excluding current DEQ employees, the selected candidate MUST pass a criminal background check.

Contact: Danna J Kiluk Phone: (804) 698-4081 Fax: (804) 698-4083

Recruit: General Public

Application Closing Date: September 29, 2006

Candidates are encouraged to apply online at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov or submit a State Application Form (DHRM 10-012) to the Department of Environmental Quality, Human Resource Office, P.O. Box 10009, Richmond, VA 23240. You may deliver by hand or by express/certified mail to 629 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219 or email the documents to [email protected]. The State Application MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICE NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM, on the date of closing. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. RESUMES ARE ENCOURAGED, BUT MAY NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR A STATE APPLICATION FORM.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

I am an environmental attorney licensed in NY, MA & CT. I work for a municipal government in NYS and am counsel to a environmental appellate board (much like a zoning bd of appeals). So, to some degree, I talk from experience. As a 2L, you should keep your options and horizons open. One option would be contacting State Attorneys General offices. Most, if not all, have an environmental protection bureau of some form. For example, in NYS, AG Eliot Spitzer has both a civil and criminal units. Criminal handles cases from timber theft to illegal dumping. The civil side handles matters involving wind farms on public lands (e.g. the Adirondacks), acid rain from mid-west power plants and other "quality of life" type torts. Also, there are grassroot organizations such as the ClearWater, which Kennedy is involved in along with folk singer Pete Seiger and actress Meryl Streep. Be creative and something interesting and educational (with a potential for a permanent position) will open for you. Good luck. You can PM me if you want to bounce any ideas off me.