2025 Biodiversity Defense Program Clerkship

Earthjustice is offering a summer law clerk position in their Biodiversity Defense Program in New York, NY, for law students enrolled through fall 2025. The role involves case development, legal research, drafting pleadings, and engaging with environmental groups. It is a paid position with a stipend of $1,319 per week for ten weeks. Candidates must work from the U.S. during the clerkship.
About the position

The Biodiversity Defense Program at Earthjustice is dedicated to reshaping our relationship with lands, water, and wildlife by addressing the major drivers of nature's decline, such as habitat destruction and wildlife over-exploitation. This program employs a strategic, collaborative, and impactful approach to environmental protection, extending its reach into new geographies. The work includes advancing policies that protect critical habitats essential for species survival, including initiatives aimed at permanently safeguarding America's carbon-rich and biodiverse old-growth forests. Founded in 1971, Earthjustice stands as the leading nonprofit environmental law organization in the United States, with a workforce of approximately 575 staff members across 15 strategically located offices. The organization leverages the power of law and partnerships to protect public health, preserve natural landscapes and wildlife, promote clean energy, and combat climate change. Earthjustice collaborates with thousands of groups and supporters to tackle significant, precedent-setting cases nationwide, boasting a distinguished record of achieving substantial and lasting environmental protections. The organization is committed to ensuring that the earth has a strong legal advocate. Earthjustice's work is categorized into three primary areas: Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans, which focuses on protecting endangered species and public lands; Healthy Communities, which aims to safeguard public health and reduce pollution; and Climate and Energy, which promotes a swift transition to clean energy while challenging the use of fossil fuels. The summer law clerk position offers law students the chance to engage in meaningful work alongside experienced attorneys, contributing to case development and litigation strategies while gaining invaluable insights into environmental law.

Responsibilities
• Work with several attorneys on case development and litigation strategy.
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• Draft pleadings and briefs.
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• Conduct legal research and develop legal theories.
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• Gather evidence for cases.
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• Attend client meetings and court proceedings.
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• Participate in in-person and virtual seminars on current environmental issues.
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• Engage with local and regional environmental groups.
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• Attend a job interview workshop.

Requirements
• Candidates must be enrolled in a U.S. law school through fall 2025 and not graduating before December 2025.
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• Availability to commit to ten weeks during summer 2025.
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• Must work from the U.S. during the clerkship.

Nice-to-haves
• Interest in environmental or public interest issues.
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• Previous experience in legal writing or research.

Benefits
• Paid summer law clerk position with a stipend of $1,319 per week for 10 weeks.