Q: What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The intern is primarily responsible for the integrity and collection of environmental data across the firm’s operations. This involves overseeing inputs for energy, transport, waste, and food services into the firm’s Environmental Management System (EMS). You will ensure that this data is accurate and ready for high-level reporting cycles. Beyond data entry, you will assist in the preparation of major ESG disclosures such as CDP and EcoVadis. This includes researching new opportunities for sustainability improvements and helping to draft internal communications that keep the global workforce engaged with the 'Willkie Green' program and other eco-challenges.

Q: Key learning opportunities for this job

This role provides a deep dive into the mechanics of ESG reporting within a professional services context. You will gain practical experience using specialized sustainability software and learn the rigorous requirements behind globally recognized standards like CDP and EcoVadis, which are essential benchmarks in the corporate world. Additionally, you will develop a nuanced understanding of how a global law firm operates. Exposure to Law Firm Sustainability Network webinars and cross-border collaboration with teams in the US and UK will sharpen your ability to navigate complex organizational structures and diverse stakeholder expectations.

Q: Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your data literacy and any experience you have with environmental metrics or reporting frameworks. Since the role requires 12-15 hours of remote work, your application should demonstrate a proven track record of self-motivation and the ability to manage deadlines independently. Tailor your cover letter to show you understand the intersection of law and sustainability . Mentioning an interest in how professional service firms contribute to the green transition will signal that you have researched the specific context in which Willkie Farr & Gallagher operates.

Q: What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on operational decarbonization and governance. Specifically, you will be tracking metrics that feed into the firm's carbon footprint, such as office energy use and business travel. These figures are critical for the firm's transparency and its ability to respond to client procurement queries about environmental impact. Another key focus is employee engagement and behavioral change . By supporting the Willkie Green initiative and Earth Day events, you will be part of the effort to embed a sustainability culture across the firm's diverse global offices, moving ESG from a reporting exercise to a shared mission.

Q: What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be the coordination of data from disparate sources. Gathering accurate information on waste or transport from various vendors requires persistence and an eye for spotting inconsistencies in raw datasets. Navigating the high-pressure environment of a law firm as a part-time intern can also be demanding. Balancing 12-15 hours of work alongside your studies requires exceptional time management, especially when responding to requests from senior stakeholders across different time zones in the US and UK.

Q: How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a remote check-in with the Environment & Sustainability team to align on current priorities. You might spend a few hours auditing energy invoices or transport logs and uploading that data into the EMS, ensuring every figure is correctly categorized. In the afternoon, you could shift to research-based tasks , such as drafting an intranet post for an upcoming eco-challenge or gathering documentation for an EcoVadis assessment. Your day might conclude with an industry webinar to stay updated on the latest law firm sustainability trends.

Q: The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the Environment & Sustainability Manager and work closely with the wider Environment & Sustainability team. Collaborative projects will often involve coordinating with administrative staff in various offices to secure operational data. External interactions may include sustainability vendors and reporting platforms. Internally, your work might eventually reach senior partners or the communications team, as your data and research inform how the firm presents its environmental progress to the world.

Question 1

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

Accepted Answer

The intern is primarily responsible for the integrity and collection of environmental data across the firm’s operations. This involves overseeing inputs for energy, transport, waste, and food services into the firm’s Environmental Management System (EMS). You will ensure that this data is accurate and ready for high-level reporting cycles. Beyond data entry, you will assist in the preparation of major ESG disclosures such as CDP and EcoVadis. This includes researching new opportunities for sustainability improvements and helping to draft internal communications that keep the global workforce engaged with the 'Willkie Green' program and other eco-challenges.

Question 2

Key learning opportunities for this job

Accepted Answer

This role provides a deep dive into the mechanics of ESG reporting within a professional services context. You will gain practical experience using specialized sustainability software and learn the rigorous requirements behind globally recognized standards like CDP and EcoVadis, which are essential benchmarks in the corporate world. Additionally, you will develop a nuanced understanding of how a global law firm operates. Exposure to Law Firm Sustainability Network webinars and cross-border collaboration with teams in the US and UK will sharpen your ability to navigate complex organizational structures and diverse stakeholder expectations.

Question 3

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

Accepted Answer

The ideal candidate is a current undergraduate student specializing in Environmental Science, Geography, or Sustainability. You should possess a high level of comfort with data analysis and technology platforms, as much of the role involves technical data management and remote coordination. Because this position sits within an elite legal firm, writing excellence and professional discretion are non-negotiable. You must be someone who can work independently without constant supervision, showing the proactivity needed to identify areas where the firm can enhance its environmental performance.

Question 4

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Accepted Answer

To stand out, emphasize your data literacy and any experience you have with environmental metrics or reporting frameworks. Since the role requires 12-15 hours of remote work, your application should demonstrate a proven track record of self-motivation and the ability to manage deadlines independently. Tailor your cover letter to show you understand the intersection of law and sustainability. Mentioning an interest in how professional service firms contribute to the green transition will signal that you have researched the specific context in which Willkie Farr & Gallagher operates.

Question 5

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

Accepted Answer

The role focuses heavily on operational decarbonization and governance. Specifically, you will be tracking metrics that feed into the firm's carbon footprint, such as office energy use and business travel. These figures are critical for the firm's transparency and its ability to respond to client procurement queries about environmental impact. Another key focus is employee engagement and behavioral change. By supporting the Willkie Green initiative and Earth Day events, you will be part of the effort to embed a sustainability culture across the firm's diverse global offices, moving ESG from a reporting exercise to a shared mission.

Question 6

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

Accepted Answer

One of the primary challenges will be the coordination of data from disparate sources. Gathering accurate information on waste or transport from various vendors requires persistence and an eye for spotting inconsistencies in raw datasets. Navigating the high-pressure environment of a law firm as a part-time intern can also be demanding. Balancing 12-15 hours of work alongside your studies requires exceptional time management, especially when responding to requests from senior stakeholders across different time zones in the US and UK.

Question 7

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

Accepted Answer

A typical day might begin with a remote check-in with the Environment & Sustainability team to align on current priorities. You might spend a few hours auditing energy invoices or transport logs and uploading that data into the EMS, ensuring every figure is correctly categorized. In the afternoon, you could shift to research-based tasks, such as drafting an intranet post for an upcoming eco-challenge or gathering documentation for an EcoVadis assessment. Your day might conclude with an industry webinar to stay updated on the latest law firm sustainability trends.

Question 8

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Accepted Answer

Starting your career in an elite firm like Willkie offers significant brand equity on your resume. The skills gained in audited environmental reporting are in high demand across all sectors, providing a strong foundation for future roles in ESG consulting or corporate sustainability management. While this is a six-month internship, the professional network you build is substantial. Engaging with the Law Firm Sustainability Network and internal sustainability leaders can lead to mentorship opportunities and guidance on navigating a long-term career in the environmental sector.

Question 9

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Accepted Answer

You will report directly to the Environment & Sustainability Manager and work closely with the wider Environment & Sustainability team. Collaborative projects will often involve coordinating with administrative staff in various offices to secure operational data. External interactions may include sustainability vendors and reporting platforms. Internally, your work might eventually reach senior partners or the communications team, as your data and research inform how the firm presents its environmental progress to the world.

Environmental Analyst

Job FAQs

Never miss the next opportunity

Want more relevant opportunities?

You are all set!