2027 Enforcement Clerkship

Earthjustice•Washington, DC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Earthjustice's enforcement docket focuses on holding polluters accountable for violating the federal environmental laws that protect our land, air, and water. 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 across the nation. As a summer clerk, you’ll conduct legal and factual research, draft memoranda and court pleadings, and assist attorneys with other tasks like client interactions, oral argument preparation, and more. The Enforcement team coordinates with other programs to ensure our clerks form professional connections within the office and the larger public-interest legal community. We welcome applicants who, in addition to demonstrating core legal research, writing, and advocacy skills, have a demonstrated interest in and capacity for deploying emotional intelligence and cultural competency in their work. 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

Enrolled in a U.S. law school through fall 2027 (not graduating before December 2027).
Available to commit ten weeks during summer 2027.
Must work from the U.S. during the clerkship.
Core legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
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.
Draft pleadings and briefs.
Develop strategy and legal theories.
Gather evidence.
Attend client meetings and court proceedings.
Participate in programmatic offerings such as seminars on current environmental issues, interactions with environmental groups, and a job interview workshop.