Clerkships, Internships & Fellowships

Looking for an internship in animal law? The Animal Legal Defense Fund offers a list of current internship opportunities at various law firms and non-profit organizations across the country.

Interested in promoting your opportunity? Use our internship submission form, we will review your submission and consider it for publication on aldf.org.

Intern, Federal Affairs – Regulatory

Humane Society Legislative Fund

The internship will start in June 2024 and last for approximately 10 weeks.

$31.80 per hour working 40 hours per week.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, is seeking a Regulatory Intern for its affiliate Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF). As a Regulatory Intern you will foster an understanding of numerous animal protection issues, the legislative and regulatory process, and the work produced by HSLF (HSLF) while receiving job training and an educational experience. Issues include puppy mills, horse soring, horse slaughter, exotic animals, marine mammals, endangered and threatened wildlife, animals used in research, and non-animal research alternatives.

You will be responsible for:

• Researching and drafting briefing documents to present at meetings with agency officials, which highlight the important aspects of HSLF issues;
• Conducting legal and non-legal research;
• Completing writing projects on federal regulations;
• Completing miscellaneous tasks of an administrative nature, such as printing documents for meetings and assisting Regulatory Affairs staff with maintaining agency contacts list;
• Attending (in person or remotely) congressional or agency meetings and hearings, and preparing reports for staff.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Strong interest in animal protection issues;
• Must be a current law student or recent graduate with superior legal research and writing skills; a background in administrative law, environmental law, or animal law is preferred;
• Must submit the required paperwork and pass a background check before start;
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English;
• Must possess problem-solving capability, pay meticulous attention to detail, and think creatively in a solution-oriented way;
• Experience with online legal research tools such as Lexis and Westlaw research systems;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities, willingness to take initiative on a variety of projects, and have a strong work ethic;
• High level of professionalism in attitude and appearance, on the telephone and in person with staff, members of the public, congressional staff and agency officials;
• Ability to use discretion, keeping in mind the confidential nature of some aspects of the work;
• Ability to work independently with moderate levels of direct supervision;
• Must work well as a member of a team, with a high level of accountability, integrity, and good judgment;
• Ability to tactfully deal with challenging questions or opposing viewpoints;
• Ability to learn, retain, and relay information relating to the organization;
• Ability to inform others about the issues we work on, our positions, and our goals;
• Eagerness to learn from and work closely with supervisor and Regulatory Affairs staff.

This position is based in our Washington, DC office.

When applying, please submit your cover letter and resume together as one document.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE