Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship

The Environmental Law & Policy Center seeks an Associate Attorney/Law Fellow for a one-year position in Des Moines, IA, with potential for extension. This role is for University of Iowa law graduates (2022-2025) focusing on environmental protection and advocacy. Responsibilities include legal research, drafting documents, and engaging with stakeholders. The position offers hands-on experience in litigation and policy initiatives within a hybrid work environment.
ABOUT ELPC:
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We use the power of the law and strategic advocacy campaigns to create climate change solutions, advance clean energy, protect public health, and preserve the Midwest's wild and natural places. Our staff is made up of extraordinary individuals who work together across states and disciplines to solve the most pressing environmental challenges of our times.
We are proud to be the recipient of the American Bar Association's 2023 Award for Excellence in Environmental, Energy, and Resources Stewardship. This prominent national award recognizes ELPC’s significant accomplishments and demonstrated leadership on sustainable environmental and energy advocacy.

About the Fellowship
This ELPC-Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative is a one-year, full-time position with the potential for a further year’s extension. This fellowship is in conjunction with the University of Iowa Hubbell Environmental Law Fellowship. This fellowship is exclusively available to law school graduates of the University of Iowa, who graduated between 2022 to 2025, including judicial clerks, or early-career attorneys who are committed to advancing environmental protection, climate action, and equitable solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The position will be based at our office in Des Moines, with a hybrid work environment. The Fellow will work as a fully integrated member of ELPC’s legal and policy team, gaining hands-on experience in environmental litigation, regulatory advocacy, and strategic policy initiatives.

Fellowship Term:
Starting between July - September 2026 (based on availability) for one year with potential for a second year's extension, based on incumbent's performance.

Responsibilities
Fellows will work closely with senior attorneys, policy experts, and scientists on high-impact projects such as:
• Conducting legal and factual research to support litigation and advocacy.
• Drafting legal documents including briefs, motions, petitions, and comment letters.
• Engaging with clients, community partners, and coalitions.
• Supporting legislative and regulatory advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Analyzing emerging environmental and climate issues to identify potential legal strategies.
• Participating in strategic planning and communications to advance program goals.
The Fellow will have opportunities to lead discrete projects, appear in court or administrative proceedings (depending on jurisdiction), and engage in professional development activities supported by ELPC.
Qualifications & Experience
• J.D. degree (or equivalent) earned Spring 2022 or later; must be licensed to practice law or expecting to sit for the bar in a relevant jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental, climate, and/or public interest law.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in litigation, administrative law, or environmental policy preferred but not required.
Compensation & Benefits
The annual salary for this fellowship ranges from $80,000 - $99,000 (based on 1 – 4 years experience), with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and professional development support.
Application Instructions
Please submit the following:
• Cover letter addressed to Josh Mandelbaum, Sr. Attorney, explaining your interest in the fellowship and in ELPC’s mission
• Resume
• Law school transcript (unofficial acceptable).
• Writing sample (preferably legal, 5–10 pages).
• Contact information for three references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to those received by April 1, 2026.