Legal Trainee

Legal Trainee

Location: Berlin

About Climate Focus
Climate Focus is a pioneering international advisory firm specialized in policies, programs and projects that mitigate climate change and help adapt to its impacts. Our international and multidisciplinary team works closely with clients in the private sector, governments and non-governmental organizations, across a range of sectors including forests and agriculture, renewable energy, waste, transport, and energy efficiency.

We provide independent advice that is relevant for today’s decision-makers, ranging from the conceptual design of global carbon pricing schemes to support for concrete carbon projects and sustainable investments in land use. Our advice is rooted in a profound knowledge of climate change policies, methodologies, finance, and project development.

Climate Focus was founded in 2004 and has offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, Bogotá, Rotterdam, and Washington, D.C. Our team of experts is complemented by a broad and diverse network of in-country and international partners. More information: www.climatefocus.com

Traineeship description
The trainee will be based in our Berlin office and participate in a diverse range of projects Climate Focus is carrying out for its international clients. The work will significantly vary, ranging from supporting our work on carbon transactions (including contracts and due diligence on carbon projects), legal and policy advice to governments and international organisations to internal contractual issues. As an integral part of the team, you will work alongside experienced climate lawyers at the forefront of addressing the legal challenges raised by climate change policies and projects. Specific tasks foreseen include:

• Researching on legal and governance issues relevant to climate change policies and projects;

• Supporting the development and review of contracts and term sheets for carbon transactions (emission reduction purchase agreements, mitigation outcome purchase agreements etc);

• Supporting in research, drafting and reviewing legal frameworks on climate change;

• Supporting internal contractual issues such as drafting and reviewing contracts with clients, suppliers and other partners;

• Contributing to written analysis on various issues within our work such as REDD+, land use and forest governance, and international and domestic governance arrangements for climate-related mechanisms;

• Supporting drafting and editing of reports and briefings;

• Contributing to the acquisition process by supporting with the preparation of proposals.

The traineeship will run for a period of 6 months, starting at the earliest in February 2026.

Profile
Successful candidates will have:

• Proven skills (and fluency) in writing papers, articles, or reports in English are required. Proficiency in German (including writing) is considered an asset;

• A Bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B) and a Master’s degree (LLM or equivalent) in law. A background and knowledge of German law will be an added advantage;

• Proven affinity with environmental protection, climate change mitigation and sustainability;

• Excellent research and science-based working skills;

• Previous experience or education in the field of climate change law and policy and/or contract law;

• Ability to work well within teams across disciplines and cultures;

• Team player that enjoys working in an international field of business;

• Permission to work in Germany - please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Climate Focus values the positive impact that different experiences and perspectives contribute to our team. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and abilities. We welcome applicants from groups that are under-represented in our field or who may face institutional barriers in accessing opportunities.

Application
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a writing sample in English and/or German.