Law Clerk

Advocates for the West is a leading non-profit public interest environmental law firm that empowers conservation groups, Native American Tribes, and environmental advocates through top-notch, strategic legal services. Founded in 2003, Advocates for the West has established a successful track record using law and science to protect public lands, fish and wildlife, clean air and water, and communities across the American West.

Summer law clerks conduct legal and factual research, provide litigation and pre-litigation support, and draft legal documents, all under the supervision of one or more of our ten attorneys. Law clerks typically have the opportunity to research and write a notice of intent to sue, complaint, and/or a brief, in addition to legal memos. Law clerks work closely with client partners, join in field visits, and may attend court proceedings.

Law clerks actively participate in our staff meetings, board meetings, public outreach events, and other essential aspects of our work. We also provide weekly seminars and other events for summer law clerks to get to know and learn from each other, our attorneys, and our conservation partners.

Law students who will complete their 2L year by summer 2027 are eligible to apply. Applicants with strong research and writing skills and a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection are preferred. We value diversity and encourage students from communities underrepresented in environmental law to apply.

One clerk in our Boise, Idaho headquarters, and one clerk in our Portland, Oregon office. The majority of the clerkship is in person, with the option for some remote work.

10 weeks. Flexible start and end dates.

$11,000 stipend.

We are accepting applications now until the positions are filled. We intend to start reviewing applications on October 30 and to conduct interviews in November.