Fall 2026 Legal Externship – Washington, DC Regional Office

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 Washington, DC Regional Office is accepting applications for one 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 our Washington, DC office.

Earthjustice's Washington, DC Regional Office serves both as a regional office for issues arising in the mid-Atlantic states, and as a center for litigation on important national environmental issues. The DC office's docket currently includes litigation and advocacy to protect public health and the environment from air pollution; secure effective regulation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; promote a transition to zero-emission buildings, transportation, energy, and industry; protect streams, wetlands, and other waters from pollution and outright destruction; advance energy efficiency; and protect local communities’ health and well-being and combat climate change.

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 20 hours/week for 11 weeks.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of environmental and administrative law is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, the legal extern will work on case development and litigation-related projects.
• Externs might draft pleadings and briefs, conduct legal and factual research and draft memoranda, analyze caselaw, regulatory, and policy questions, assist in developing strategy and legal theories, gather evidence, and attend client meetings and court proceedings.

What This Job Offers

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