Summer Law Clerk

Job Title:

Law Clerk

Program:
Conservation

Employment Type:

[ ] Salary [X] Hourly (non-exempt this position eligible for overtime)

[ ] Part-time [X] Full-time

[X] Temporary [ ] Regular

Reports to:

Staff or Senior Attorney

Direct Reports to this position: N/A

Salary Range: $19.61/hour

Location:

Oakland, CA;
Portland, OR;
Washington, DC; or Remote

Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? [] Yes, [X] No

The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, believes the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals, plants, and people. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction.

We do so through science, law, activism, and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters, and climate that humans, other species, and all communities need to survive and thrive.

We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.

Attorneys at the Center for Biological Diversity work on issues as varied as endangered species, ocean protection, climate change, environmental health, water resources, biomass energy, the protection of public lands, and land use in the urban-wildland interface. Law clerks work on environmental law and litigation projects designed to have a conservation impact. They will work with experienced attorneys who provide supervision, training, and mentorship.

Clerks will usually be assigned to a program area that aligns with their interests in endangered species, ocean protection, climate change, public lands, environmental health, or carnivore conservation. Law clerks assist with legal research and writing, litigation, and administrative advocacy.

The Center for Biological Diversity is currently looking for ten full-time Law Clerks for Summer 2027 who share an interest in and passion for justice and environmental protection. Clerks will be hired and then assigned to a program—either Oceans, Carnivore Conservation, the Climate Law Institute, Endangered Species, Public Lands, Urban Wildlands, or Environmental Health. (Other programs and other locations may be hiring separately.

Interested applicants are welcome to apply for those positions as well). The expectation is that clerks will work full-time hours (40 hours per week). The typical clerkship lasts ten weeks.

All clerkship positions may be completed remotely. Applicants also have the option to work in person at the following office locations:

• Climate Law Institute:
  Oakland, California or Washington, D.C.
• Urban Wildlands Program:
  Oakland, California
• Oceans Program:
  Oakland, California
• Endangered Species Program:
  Portland, Oregon
• Environmental Health Program:
  Oakland, California or Portland, Oregon

The following programs are remote-only:

• Carnivore Conservation Program
• Public Lands Program

Depending on office capacity limitations, remote-only clerks may have the option to work from a Center office. If you would like to work remotely from a Center office, please indicate your office preference(s) in your cover letter.

The Center is hiring a total of ten clerks. One clerk position is available at each of the following programs:
Oceans, Environmental Health, Urban Wildlands, and Carnivore Conservation. Two clerk positions are available at each of the following programs:
Public Lands, Endangered Species, and Climate Law Institute.

• Conduct legal research and writing, including preparing legal memoranda, assisting with brief writing, preparing filings, investigating new projects, and drafting public comments;
• Conduct research and review administrative regulations and other policy proposals;
• May have opportunities to present at administrative hearings and observe court arguments or agency proceedings;
• Assist with interviewing experts;
• Collaborate with coalitions and partners;
• Analyze federal and state legislation relating to endangered species, public lands, oceans, energy, and pollution;
• Track current legislation in Congress relating to the Endangered Species Act, public-land laws, climate and energy laws, marine mammal protection, National Environmental Policy Act, and Clean Air Act;
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Clerks will gain experience in legal research and writing, and environmental advocacy, particularly in the natural resources area, drawing on litigation, science, media, and grassroots organizing strategies to fight for wildlife and their habitats.

• Completed at least one year of law school at time of application;
• Strong legal research and writing skills;
• Passionate about protecting wildlife and their habitats;
• Commitment to equity and justice;
• Background or experience in natural resources, environmental, and/or administrative law preferred and scientific…