Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Summer Legal Internship 2026 Program (PAID)

Imagine spending your summer not just inside a law library, but actively helping protect one of America’s most important ecosystems—while earning a solid monthly stipend. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Summer Legal Internship offers law students a rare chance to work on real environmental litigation that directly shapes public policy and conservation outcomes.

Hosted at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center in Annapolis, Maryland—the world’s first LEED Platinum building—this funded internship blends serious legal work with hands-on exposure to the natural resources you are helping defend.

About Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF)

Founded in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization in the United States. CBF leads science-driven advocacy and litigation efforts to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay, working closely with lawmakers, communities, and federal and state agencies.

A major focus of CBF’s legal work is enforcing and defending the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, one of the most ambitious ecosystem restoration plans in the world.

Internship Snapshot

• Program Type: Funded Summer Legal Internship

• Monthly Stipend: $5,900

• Location: Annapolis, Maryland, USA

• Department: Litigation

• Eligibility: 2nd & 3rd year law students

• Application Status: Open until filled

Why This Internship Stands Out for Law Students

This is not a shadowing role or résumé filler. Interns are treated as junior legal professionals and trusted with meaningful responsibilities that directly support ongoing cases. You will sharpen your skills in environmental law, administrative law, and civil procedure while contributing to litigation that holds both private actors and government agencies accountable.

Equally important, CBF believes great environmental advocates understand the ecosystems they defend—so interns are encouraged to step outside the office and experience the Bay firsthand.

Program Objectives

The Summer Legal Internship is designed to:

• Support active litigation aimed at protecting the Chesapeake Bay

• Build strong research and writing skills through real legal assignments

• Develop practical knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations

• Deepen understanding of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint

• Foster a personal connection to environmental conservation

Key Responsibilities

Legal Research & Litigation Support
Interns conduct in-depth legal research on environmental and administrative law issues, review agency records, analyze reports, and assist in developing litigation strategies. Drafting regulatory comment letters is also a core part of the role.

Collaboration & Mentorship
You will work closely with the Vice President for Litigation, staff attorneys, and policy experts, while also collaborating with external environmental organizations and government partners.

Field & Experiential Learning
Interns are strongly encouraged to join at least one educational field experience—such as canoeing, work boat trips, or tree-planting activities—to better understand the ecosystems impacted by their legal work.

Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

CBF is deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive conservation movement. The organization values lived experiences and believes environmental protection is strongest when it reflects a wide range of perspectives.

Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals of different races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. The internship emphasizes a supportive environment where feedback, learning, and growth are mutual.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a second- or third-year law student

• Show interest or experience in environmental law, administrative law, or civil procedure

• Possess strong legal research and writing skills

• Communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

• Demonstrate independent thinking and commitment to public-interest law

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through the official CBF application portal. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

Final Takeaway

For law students seeking a high-impact, paid summer internship that blends rigorous legal work with real-world environmental advocacy, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Summer Legal Internship is a standout opportunity. It offers professional credibility, practical litigation experience, and the rare chance to see how the law can directly protect nature—one case at a time.