At a Glance
- Tasks: Support legal campaigns for environmental justice and conduct detailed legal research.
- Company: Join Friends of the Earth, a leading NGO fighting for the planet.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 4-day work week, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in climate change litigation and community rights.
- Qualifications: Degree in Law or equivalent with strong research skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to positive change.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 27000 £ per year.
Contract: 12 months fixed term contract, related to external funding.
Location: London, 2 days per week on average at London Office (Stockwell).
Hours/Day per week (FTE): 30 hours per week (Full-time), Tuesdays-Fridays.
Start date: Mid-March 2026.
Legal Intern wanted to help save the planet! We’re looking for a legal intern to support the legal team’s work, from strategic climate change litigation to defending community access to environmental justice, and much more in between. Friends of the Earth’s legal team is one of the most exciting places to campaign for environmental justice. The legal team works on solving the major environmental problems of our time and building the movement for positive change. We need a capable and committed person to join our team and help us do this.
Job purpose: Working closely with our lawyers you will have a hands-on role in supporting Friends of the Earth’s campaigns. You will join meetings, conduct research, help to prepare legal documents, participate in our campaigning in action, and get to know what makes a campaigning environmental NGO tick.
Possessing a degree in Law or equivalent qualification (i.e. law conversion course or joint law degree) with a 2:1 grade or above, you will have good knowledge of public, assimilated EU law, human rights, environmental and/or planning law and will have experience of undertaking detailed legal research and analysis. This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain entry-level legal experience and skills in a campaigning context. If you have finished the academic component of your legal studies and are passionate about using the law to protect community rights and the environment, we’d love to hear from you!
Phil Michaels Legal Interns Scholarship Fund: This role is funded by the Phil Michaels Legal Interns Scholarship, it provides paid internships for aspiring environmental lawyers.
How to apply: Please complete an application via our online form. Closing date: Tuesday 20th January 2026 (23:59).
We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance including a 4-day working week with no loss of pay, excellent learning and development opportunities and a vibrant organisational culture. Our staff body is currently under-representative of People of Colour, LGBTQIA+ people and people with long term conditions or impairments. We are committed to eroding these historic barriers, so as to create a movement in which people from all walks of life see themselves in, and so we particularly encourage you to apply if you belong to one of these groups or sit at multiple intersections of disadvantage. We are committed to the Disability Confident standard and will guarantee an interview to any candidates who declare a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Friends of the Earth is an international community dedicated to protecting the natural world and the wellbeing of everyone in it. We lead campaigns, provide resources and information, and drive real solutions to the environmental problems facing us all.
Please note that this is an entry level position and therefore we cannot accept applications from UK qualified lawyers or overseas qualified lawyers. The successful candidate will need to be domiciled in the UK. Please note we only accept applications via the Friends of the Earth Application System. We ask that candidates do not use AI software to complete their application form and instead use their own words when writing their personal statement.
Legal Intern in London employer: Friends of the Earth
Contact Detail:
Friends of the Earth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Intern in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those involved in environmental law. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have a lead on an internship or job!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your research game on! Familiarise yourself with current environmental issues and legal cases. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to impress the team at Friends of the Earth!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your thoughts on climate change litigation and community rights. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your unique voice in your application. Don’t use AI tools; instead, let your personality shine through. Remember, we’re looking for someone passionate about environmental justice, so make sure that comes across!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Intern in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for environmental justice and how it connects to your legal studies.
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure to customise your personal statement to reflect the specific skills and experiences that relate to this role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of environmental law and public rights.
Show Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, mention any previous experience you have in conducting legal research. Give examples of how you've tackled complex topics and what tools or methods you used to find your information.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications via our online form, so make sure you submit your application there. It’s super easy, and it ensures your application gets to the right place!
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends of the Earth
✨Know Your Environmental Law
Brush up on your knowledge of public, EU, and environmental law. Be ready to discuss how these areas intersect with community rights and climate change. Showing that you understand the legal landscape will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion for Justice
Demonstrate your commitment to environmental justice during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in that highlight your dedication to using law for positive change. This will resonate well with the values of Friends of the Earth.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific legal scenarios related to environmental issues. Think through some case studies or recent legal developments in this field, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and potential solutions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about the legal team's current campaigns or challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.