2027 Enforcement Clerkship

Earthjustice•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Earthjustice's enforcement docket focuses on holding polluters accountable for violating federal environmental laws. The Enforcement team serves as a resource for enforcement efforts across the organization and pursues its own cases on behalf of communities directly impacted by environmental harm. As a summer clerk, you will conduct legal and factual research, draft memoranda and court pleadings, and assist attorneys with other tasks like client interactions and oral argument preparation. The team coordinates with other programs to ensure clerks form professional connections within the office and the larger public-interest legal community. Applicants with demonstrated interest and capacity for deploying emotional intelligence and cultural competency in their work are welcome. Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections by wielding the power of law and 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. 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.
Demonstrated core legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
Resume.
Cover letter that addresses relevant aspects of background, why drawn to Earthjustice's mission and litigation teams, and particular environmental or public interest issues that inspire.
A recent legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages that primarily reflects your work.
Unofficial transcript.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated interest in and capacity for deploying emotional intelligence and cultural competency in their work.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal and factual research.
Draft memoranda and court pleadings.
Assist attorneys with client interactions and oral argument preparation.
Work with several attorneys on case development and litigation strategy.
Develop strategy and legal theories.
Gather evidence.
Attend client meetings and court proceedings.
Participate in programmatic offerings such as 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.