Earthrise Legal Fellow

Lewis & Clark College • Portland, OR

421d • $63,000 - $63,000

About The Position

The Earthrise Legal Fellow at Lewis & Clark College is a two-year temporary position focused on supporting litigation and advocacy efforts in environmental law. The fellow will work closely with faculty and staff attorneys, engaging in legal research, writing, case development, and policy advocacy. This role is ideal for candidates committed to public interest environmental law and offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration within a diverse legal team.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school, expected by December 2024 or Spring 2025
• Licensed to practice law in Oregon within one year of starting the fellowship
• Proficient in environmental law with a strong understanding of public interest legal issues, including water quality, endangered species, and forest protection
• Excellent knowledge of legal research methods, case law, and statutes relevant to environmental issues
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely
• Superior proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis
• Extremely effective organizational and time-management skills, able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Superior ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, and expert witnesses
• Excellent ability to analyze legal issues and develop clear, effective legal strategies
• Proficient in managing administrative record and discovery processes, including drafting and reviewing documents
• Commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace, ensuring a collaborative and respectful environment for all colleagues
• Extremely proactive attitude, taking initiative to support team goals and case development
• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in legal documents and communications

Nice To Haves

• Completion of environmental law courses, clinics, or externships during law school
• Experience working in public interest law or environmental advocacy, either through law school internships or volunteer opportunities
• Proficiency in legal research platforms such as Westlaw or LexisNexis

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive legal research on complex environmental law issues
• Draft legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other court filings
• Prepare and edit written reports and policy documents for internal and external stakeholders
• Assist in case development, including gathering and organizing evidence
• Review administrative records and assist in negotiations and/or motions practice regarding the adequacy of agency records
• Prepare discovery documents, including requests for production and interrogatories
• Support attorneys in case preparation for hearings and trial, including preparing exhibits and witness lists
• Communicate directly with clients to gather information and provide case updates
• Coordinate with expert witnesses and consultants to gather and analyze information for cases or other advocacy efforts
• Contribute to policy advocacy efforts, including drafting position papers and policy briefs
• Support initiatives related to forest protection, endangered species, energy infrastructure, and water quality and related issues
• Work closely with Earthrise faculty and staff attorneys to develop professional skills and contribute to legal strategies
• Participate in training and mentorship activities to grow expertise in environmental public interest law

Benefits

• Health insurance options
• Dental insurance options
• Vision insurance options
• Tuition reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan options
• Competitive salary with annual increase
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree