Fall 2026 Legal Externship – Biodiversity Defense Program

Earthjustice • Bozeman, MT

1d • 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 Biodiversity Defense Program is accepting applications for one full- or part-time legal extern 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 Earthjustice’s Bozeman, Denver, New York, San Francisco, or Seattle office.

The Biodiversity Defense Program focuses on the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss, including habitat destruction and over-exploitation (or over-hunting) of wildlife. As the scope of this work is so immense and intersectional, a key piece of the program’s strategy is partnering with our regional offices and programs to add litigation and policy knowledge to their work and to build new partnerships. Additionally, we defend key environmental policies, such as the Endangered Species Act’s crucial protection of habitat critical to the survival of species.

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 15 hours/week.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of environmental and administrative law is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of an attorney, the legal extern will contribute legal research and writing related to new and ongoing cases for the Biodiversity Defense Program.
• The legal extern may also have the opportunity to sit in on meetings with opposing counsel or clients, observe court proceedings, and participate in legal strategy discussions.

What This Job Offers

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