2025 Sustainable Food and Farming Program Clerkship

Earthjustice is offering a summer law clerk position for law students in its Sustainable Food and Farming Program. The role involves case development, legal research, drafting documents, and participating in seminars. Clerks will work alongside experienced attorneys and engage with environmental groups. Candidates must be enrolled in a U.S. law school and commit to ten weeks during summer 2025, working from the U.S. The position is paid with a weekly stipend.
About the position

Earthjustice's Sustainable Food and Farming Program is dedicated to improving the nation's food system through litigation and advocacy. This program focuses on various aspects of food production, including crop selection, farming practices, food processing, and sustainability. By collaborating with communities, advocacy groups, scientists, and other stakeholders, Earthjustice aims to promote safe and healthy food, climate-friendly farming practices, and a reduction in the use of harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The organization is committed to fighting against industrial animal farming practices, advocating for a shift towards more humane and sustainable methods. The cases handled by the program have both regional and national significance, reflecting the broad impact of their work on food systems across the country. Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has established itself as the premier nonprofit environmental law organization in the United States, employing 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, advance clean energy initiatives, and combat climate change. Earthjustice collaborates with thousands of groups and supporters to tackle significant, precedent-setting cases, achieving lasting environmental protections. The organization operates in three major areas: Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans; Healthy Communities; and Climate and Energy. The Healthy Communities sector has recently expanded to include sustainable food and agriculture initiatives, as well as advocating for the rights of farm workers. The summer law clerk position offers law students the opportunity to engage in meaningful work alongside experienced attorneys. Clerks will participate in case development and litigation strategy, which includes drafting pleadings and briefs, conducting legal research, developing legal theories, gathering evidence, and attending client meetings and court proceedings. The program also features various educational offerings, including seminars with attorneys and guest speakers on current environmental issues, interactions with local and regional environmental groups, and a job interview workshop. This position is designed to provide a comprehensive experience in environmental law and advocacy, preparing students for future careers in this vital field.

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.
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• Develop strategy and 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.
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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 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 $1,319.00 per week, minus any external funding and applicable taxes.
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• Opportunity to secure outside funding for the clerkship.