2025 Oceans Clerkship

Earthjustice is offering a 2025 Oceans Clerkship in Seattle, WA, for law students interested in environmental law. Clerks will assist attorneys with case development, legal research, and attend court proceedings. The program includes educational seminars and workshops. Candidates must be enrolled in a U.S. law school and commit to a full-time, 10-week summer position. The role is paid with a stipend of $1,319 per week.
About the position

Earthjustice's Oceans Program is dedicated to protecting oceans and ocean wildlife from various threats, including overfishing, oil and gas drilling, and habitat degradation. The program consists of a team of ten full-time attorneys and a litigation paralegal who primarily litigate cases in federal court and advocate for the protection of ocean resources within the United States. Additionally, the team works on international matters to safeguard marine ecosystems and vulnerable species by enhancing international provisions in U.S. fisheries management laws and collaborating with global advocates. Summer clerks will engage in a diverse range of international and domestic ocean matters, contributing to the program's mission. Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has established itself as the leading nonprofit environmental law organization in the U.S., employing approximately 575 staff 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 numerous groups and supporters to tackle significant, precedent-setting cases nationwide, achieving substantial and lasting environmental protections. The organization's work is categorized into three main areas: Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans; Healthy Communities; and Climate and Energy, each focusing on critical environmental issues. The summer law clerk program offers law students the opportunity to work closely with attorneys on case development and litigation strategies. Clerks will draft pleadings and briefs, conduct legal research, develop legal theories, gather evidence, and participate in client meetings and court proceedings. The program also includes various educational offerings, such as seminars with attorneys and guest speakers on current environmental issues, interactions with local and regional environmental groups, and a job interview workshop. This comprehensive experience is designed to enhance the clerks' understanding of environmental law and advocacy.

Responsibilities
• Work with attorneys on case development and litigation strategy.
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• Draft pleadings and briefs.
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• Conduct legal research.
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• Develop legal theories and strategies.
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• Gather evidence for cases.
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• Attend client meetings and court proceedings.
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• Participate in seminars and workshops on environmental issues.

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 a full-time, 10-week clerkship during summer 2025.
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• Must work from the U.S. during the clerkship.

Nice-to-haves
• Interest in environmental law and public interest issues.
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• Experience in legal writing or research.

Benefits
• Paid summer law clerk position with a stipend of $1,319 per week.
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• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental law.
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• Access to seminars and workshops with legal professionals.