Dana Wolfe Memorial Legal Intern

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy (OC) has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are currently seeking a legal intern to serve as our Dana Wolfe Memorial Legal Intern during Summer 2027. This is a 40-hour per week working internship for rising second- or third-year law students spanning approximately 10 to 12 weeks. Interns may work remotely from select states or may work from an established Ocean Conservancy office. 

Dana Wolfe epitomized hard work, dedication and commitment to Ocean Conservancy during her time as an integral part of our legal team (2005-2013). Following her death in 2013, Ocean Conservancy created an internship in her memory.

Ocean Conservancy’s lawyers provide expertise to ensure the development and implementation of effective policies focused on protecting ocean ecosystems. Ocean Conservancy’s strong legal expertise has resulted in meaningful protections for fish, marine wildlife and marine ecosystems.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will provide the legal intern with a broad array of experience on environmental and marine legal issues. Work will focus on marine conservation issues nationwide and may include programmatic topics such as water quality regulation, marine debris interventions, offshore renewable energy, offshore oil and gas, climate change, fish conservation, or protection of the Arctic Ocean or the Florida environment. 

The intern may research and analyze applicable ocean conservation and management laws, regulations, and policies to support program work. The intern may also track legislative changes and trends, draft legal memos, and aid in the legal guidance of the organization. 

The legal intern can expect to work on or drive projects designed to enhance the Ocean Conservancy legal team. The intern will obtain practical in-house counsel and policy experience within a nonprofit environmental group. 

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected pay ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected starting hourly rate range for this role is $23 - $25 hourly. 

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

TO APPLY

If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here.

Please include cover letter and resume in your application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.