Summer Legal Intern

Description

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Summer Legal Intern in the Litigation Department to be based at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center located in Annapolis, MD.

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION

Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act’s impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.

CBF has a staff of approximately 230 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 14 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary. 

CBF's headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first U.S. Green Build Council’s LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world’s most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

CBF has an annual budget of approximately $30 million and is supported by over 200,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

Litigation

CBF’s Litigation department evaluates opportunities for filing legal actions against private parties, states, or the federal government which support CBF objectives throughout the Bay Watershed. In the appropriate circumstances, the department recommends that suit be filed, and if approved by the president and the litigation committee, counsel is retained or the department staff handles litigation of the action internally.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION 

The legal intern will work directly with the Vice President for Litigation, Litigation Department attorneys and staff, as well as with other departments within the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  Interns may also work with outside staff from other environmental organizations or governmental agencies. Work may involve some travel in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Interns have much independence and responsibility while working with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  

Interns are strongly encouraged to attend at least one of CBF’s educational field trips (canoeing, work boat, tree planting, etc.) for direct experiences with the natural resources CBF strives to protect.

Requirements

1. Conduct legal research on a broad range of environmental issues. 
2. Review materials including government agency records, files, documents, and reports in support of developing litigation. 
3. Prepare comment letters on proposed regulatory actions. 
4. Work with staff to investigate and critique implementation of state laws and regulations
5. Participate in the day-to-day life of CBF, including staff meetings, strategy sessions, and at least one CBF field experience.
6. Assist the litigation department in developing cases.  

PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

CBF seeks independent, creative thinkers who will help us to act wisely and in the public interest as we strive to “Save the Bay.”  The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Applicants must be a second- or third-year law student.
• Experience and/or interest in engaging with environmental and administrative law and civil procedure.
• Strong legal research and writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. 
• Ability to receive and give supportive feedback to foster equity and inclusion in working relationships. 

Salary Range: Stipend $5,900