2027 Northeast Regional Clerkship

Earthjustice•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Northeast Regional Program's staff work to address the serious health and environmental threats associated with climate change, toxic chemicals, and other sources of pollution. The Northeast Regional Program works to ensure that New York state and local authorities faithfully implement innovative new environmental laws including the 2022 Environmental Rights Amendment and the landmark 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. In addition, we fight to protect drinking and surface waters from pollutants including PFAS in Cayuga Lake and cyanotoxins in Owasco Lake through administrative advocacy and state and federal litigation. The Northeast Office approaches many of its cases and projects with an environmental justice lens working with partners in frontline communities to help ensure that some of the most vulnerable residents in our region are no longer disproportionately burdened by pollution of their air and water. 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 relevant aspects of your background, why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and the litigation teams, and 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.
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 programmatic offerings, such as in-person and virtual seminars with attorneys and guest speakers on current environmental issues
Engage in interactions with other local and regional environmental groups
Attend a job interview workshop