Are you a law student or recent graduate who’s interested in nature and environmental justice – and the power of public interest litigation and legal advocacy campaigns? 

Come join us to see how we use the law to empower communities, safeguard our climate, protect nature and support First Nations people fighting for Country and Culture.

EJA are looking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are interested in an internship with us.

We are initially offering two internships for law students or recent graduates. Interns will be paid a stipend of $200 per day, and additional accommodation funding may be available for applicants who need to travel a long distance to take up the position.

There is no deadline for applications, we will consider them as they come in, so please lodge an expression of interest as soon as you can.
 

What does an internship involve?

You will work with environmental lawyers across two of the following areas of EJA’s work:

• Using the law to protect and regenerate ecosystems on the brink of collapse
• Empowering communities experiencing harm from coal pollution to seek justice

• Public interest litigation and legal interventions to put justice at the heart of climate action 

• Working with our First Nations justice team to return rights to Traditional Owners and support communities who are Caring for Country
• Helping community groups make sure the Environmental Protection Act is fully implemented in Victoria

You will be able to express a preference for the two areas of work you want to be involved in, and will be assigned your own project to complete in each area that is suitable to your preferences and skills.

An example of such a project may be:

Based on existing research, plan, draft and possibly help deliver community education on the Environment Protection Act in Victoria. This could educate communities on changes in the law and help them protect their local environment using the new laws.

You will also be allocated research and other legal tasks from across the organisation, so you get a broader view of our work.

Applicants usually have an interest in the environment, are studying or have recently completed a law degree, and completion of administrative law is an advantage (but not essential).

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please get in touch with us – see details below. 

About EJA

Environmental Justice Australia is a leading public interest legal organisation. Our lawyers and campaigners act on behalf of people and community organisations to safeguard health; protect forests, rivers and wildlife and tackle the climate crisis. We partner with communities and other social justice organisations because we are stronger together.

Using innovative approaches, we find the best legal solutions to climate and environmental issues. Our team works inside and outside the courtroom to make the system fair and just for all. We work on issues and in areas of Australia where we can have the most impact.

Our vision of healthy, empowered communities depends upon a broader vision of a reconciled, just and healthy Australia.

Our values

Collaboration: We work in partnership with community and other organisations because we are in this together.

Respect: We treat everyone with respect and we value different perspectives as we know we can learn something from everyone.

Ambition: We aim high and are at all times focused on achieving maximum impact for nature, climate and communities.

Positivity: We maintain hope and a positive approach because we believe we can change the world.

Justice: We are driven by our sense of justice – it’s at the core of everything we do.

Timing of the internship

Applicants will be offered an internship of 10-15 days.

EJA will provide flexible options for interns to undertake their internship, this may include a calendar of non-regular days to make up the 10-15 day internship. Internship days must be worked on weekdays.

This is to be discussed during the recruitment process with the candidates, to ensure both the candidate and EJA are aware of the arrangement required.

Commencement dates will vary depending on the preferences of the interns and support arrangements in place. Preferably 2 interns will commence at the same time, at least for the training and familiarisation sessions.

EJA may also vary the opportunities available, by offering more internships, or by extending the length of the internships offered.

Questions? 

You can call Mandy and Hong on 03 8341 3100 (option 4).