Fall 2026 Legal Externship – Community Partnerships Program

Earthjustice • Washington, DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. 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 are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer.
Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.
Earthjustice’s Community Partnerships Program is accepting applications for 1 to 2 part- or full-time legal externs for fall 2026. We are seeking law students who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment, and who are eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship. The successful candidate may work remotely within the U.S. or on a hybrid schedule from our Los Angeles, New York, or Washington, DC office.
The Community Partnerships Program works hand-in-hand with frontline communities fighting for a safe, just, and healthy environment. Members of our staff are based in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. Our Program supports communities facing pollution, toxins, hazardous waste, and other harms inflicted by various facilities including refineries, oil wells, incinerators, and waste treatment plants. We provide frontline communities with multifaceted support including litigation, legislative advocacy, policy analysis, and administrative challenges.

Requirements

• Enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during fall 2026.
• Must be eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship.
• Excellent writing, research, analytical and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with legal research tools, including Westlaw.
• Strong work ethic, initiative, and ability to think creatively.
• Ability to work collegially with others and independently.
• Interest in public interest law and social justice.
• Must commit to at least 12 hours/week for 12 to 16 weeks.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of environmental and administrative law is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of an attorney, the legal externs will collaborate closely with attorneys representing affected communities on a range of environmental issues, including hazardous waste and toxic air pollution.
• Student will have opportunities to engage in legal research and writing, including possible oral advocacy experience through participation at public hearings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees