2027 General Counsel Clerkship

Earthjustice • San Francisco, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of General Counsel is responsible for giving timely risk mitigation, management, and compliance advice to Earthjustice Leadership, Program teams and staff, in the areas of corporate governance, contracts, conflicts, legal ethics, privacy, data management, corporate risk management, international compliance, lobbying, SLAPP suits, and human resources, among others. We also advise Earthjustice Action, a separate advocacy organization, and Earthjustice International, a separate international organization. We work to develop and implement cross-cutting strategies with our internal clients that enable them to achieve their goals while minimizing organizational risks. We also collaborate with partners and other nonprofit organizations on common issues we face as a sector.

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: (1) relevant aspects of your background that are not apparent or fully explained in your resume; (2) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and the litigation teams for which you are applying; and (3) 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. Please include a cover page indicating the extent to which your writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others.
• 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
• Participate in a job interview workshop

Benefits

• Paid positions
• One-time stipend of $1,382.00 per week, minus the total amount received from any other sources and applicable taxes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed