Howard-NRDC Legal Fellow

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. • ,

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions. Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing, and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.). Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.org. NRDC is seeking a Howard-NRDC Legal Fellow to work with the Litigation Team in one of our U.S.-based offices. This is a 2 year fellowship starting Fall 2027 through Fall 2029. The Howard-NRDC Legal Fellowship is open to candidates who graduated from Howard University School of Law in 2024 or later, as well as current Howard Law students who will graduate this academic year (2026-2027). Applicants must be available to start no later than Fall 2027. The position you are applying for is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035).

Requirements

• A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) (graduation year 2024 or later) and 0 to 3 years of post-graduate experience.
• Admitted to the the bar of the jurisdiction in which the applicant intends to practice, or willing to complete the requirements for admission to that bar before or during the first year of the fellowship. (NRDC covers a portion of any necessary bar exam and bar preparation expenses.)
• Strong legal writing and analytical skills.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to work effectively with a team.
• Strong work ethic and growth mindset.
• Ability to maintain composure and sense of humor under deadline pressure.
• Ability to travel occasionally to other NRDC US offices and attend court hearings and other case-related meetings as appropriate (approximately 10% or less of total working time annually)
• Demonstrated competency in working with people with different social identities than their own (including race, gender, sexual identity or orientation, age, class, and disability).
• Creativity and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service, equity, or social justice.
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles

Responsibilities

• Work with teams of lawyers and paralegals on active cases and case development projects, including by both providing support on cases led by senior attorneys and by leading cases, or substantial aspects of cases, under the supervision of senior attorneys.
• Collaborate with NRDC program staff, clients, experts, and coalition and community partners to support litigation goals.
• Conduct legal research and factual investigations.
• Write briefs, motions, and memoranda.
• When opportunities arise, participate in court hearings; engage in discovery and conduct record and document review; and/or prepare for and take depositions.
• Contribute to the Team and NRDC’s litigation capacity in other ways, e.g., by managing legal intern hiring and supervision, serving on institutional committees, organizing continuing legal education (CLE) presentations and other trainings, building relationships with other components of NRDC and allied groups, and engaging in development outreach.

Benefits

• Generous time-off policy, highlighted by a company-wide year-end Rest & Recharge Week
• Generous family leave policy beyond federal requirements
• Matching 403b whether you contribute or not
• Hybrid Policy: The freedom to balance your time around your needs that means, 8 days per month in-office. In-office day requirements can be met with off-site work events such as retreats, conferences, and other work-related travel.
• Premium Comprehensive healthcare and mental health programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level