2027 Biodiversity Defense Clerkship
About The Position
The Biodiversity Defense Program fights to reshape our relationship to lands, water, and wildlife everywhere by confronting the major drivers of the decline in nature, including habitat destruction and over-exploitation of wildlife. The program’s work brings Earthjustice’s strategic, collaborative, and hard-hitting approach to environmental protection into new issue areas and geographies. Additionally, we defend key environmental policies, such as the Endangered Species Act’s crucial protection of habitat critical to the survival of species. Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; preserve magnificent places and wildlife; advance clean energy; and combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups and supporters to take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country and have a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. We welcome all interested law students from across the country to apply for a summer law clerk position. We expect that students will work proximate to or in an office where the program is located.
Requirements
- Must be enrolled in a U.S. law school through fall 2027 (i.e., not graduating before December 2027)
- Must be available to commit ten weeks during summer 2027
- Must work from the U.S. during their clerkship
- Resume
- Cover letter that addresses: (1) relevant aspects of your background that are not apparent or fully explained in your resume; (2) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and the litigation teams for which you are applying; and (3) whether there are particular environmental or public interest issues that inspire you.
- A recent legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages that primarily reflects your work.
- Include a cover page indicating the extent to which your writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others.
- Unofficial transcript
Nice To Haves
- Tailor your cover letter to describe why you are interested in that specific team.
Responsibilities
- Draft pleadings and briefs
- Do legal research
- Develop strategy and legal theories
- Gather evidence
- Attend client meetings and court proceedings
- Participate in in-person and virtual seminars with attorneys and guest speakers on current environmental issues
- Engage in interactions with other local and regional environmental groups
- Participate in a job interview workshop
Benefits
- Paid positions
- One-time stipend of $1,382.00 per week (minus external funding and taxes)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
