Summer Intern, Legal

Position Overview

The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a Legal Intern to join the Legal, Ethics & Governance team. This internship offers law students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting legal and compliance initiatives that advance the Foundation’s global programs in health, climate, and economic development. Interns will work on contract and grantmaking review, legal research and writing, and participate in cross-functional meetings. You’ll collaborate with experienced legal professionals, receive mentorship, and develop practical skills in nonprofit law, compliance, and policy analysis. The role is ideal for those eager to learn, contribute to meaningful projects, and grow in a mission-driven environment. Interns are valued team members whose ideas and efforts help advance the Foundation’s legal and ethical goals.

Program Details

• Open to students currently enrolled in an accredited law school with at least one year completed.
• Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter as part of the application process.
• Work authorization in the United States is required.
• This is a summer internship, full-time (35 hrs/week) from June through August 2026.
• The position is based in New York City and requires in-office presence Monday- Thursday.

Hiring Range: $30–$35 hourly rate. This represents the present low and high end of the Foundation’s pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to experience. This is a non-exempt position and thus eligible for overtime pay.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in reviewing, drafting, and organizing contracts, grant agreements, and policy documents.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on topics such as data privacy, nonprofit law, and intellectual property.
• Support compliance efforts by updating training and policies on governance and legal issues.
• Prepare briefs and summaries on emerging legal topics relevant to philanthropy and global development.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and support the provision of legal advice.
• Assist with other legal matters and special projects as directed.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Current student at an accredited law school; minimum one year completed.
• Interest in nonprofits, tax-exempt organizations, philanthropy, intellectual property, and privacy.
• Strong legal research and writing skills; able to explain legal concepts clearly to legal and non-legal colleagues.
• Basic organizational and project management skills; able to manage tasks and deadlines with guidance.
• Collaborative and open to feedback; comfortable working in a team setting.
• Commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Proactive skillset and willingness to learn new topics and adapt to changing priorities.

Competencies

• Bias for Action: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Decision Quality: Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Strategic Learning: Actively learns through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.
• Values Differences: Recognizes the value of different perspectives, commits to being self-aware and respectful, and seeks to learn from new and different voices.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity in food, health, energy, and finance, including through our public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.

As an organization, we focus on six values to advance our culture and continue our success. We are dedicated to being Transparent, Optimistic, Accountable, Collaborative, Trusted, and Equitable. We expect all employees at the Foundation to contribute by developing their unique perspectives and talent, challenging conventional wisdom through evidence and reason, and amplifying marginalized voices.

The Rockefeller Foundation is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the Foundation ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, liability for service in the United States Armed Forces, or any other protected status. 

The Rockefeller Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.