Fall Legal Externship - Rocky Mountain Regional Office

Earthjustice is seeking a Fall 2026 Legal Extern for its Rocky Mountain Regional Office in Rocky Mount, VA. This part- or full-time position is open to current law students who can receive academic credit. The extern may work remotely within the U.S. or in a hybrid model from the Denver office, focusing on environmental law issues in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Strong research and writing skills are required.
Position: Fall 2026 Legal Externship - Rocky Mountain Regional Office Location: Rocky Mount Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer. Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. Earthjustice's Rocky Mountain Regional Office is accepting applications for one part- or full-time legal extern for fall 2026. We are seeking current law students who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment, and who are eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship. The successful candidate may work remotely within the U.S. or on a hybrid schedule from Earthjustice's Denver, CO office. Rocky Mountain Regional Office's work focuses on Colorado, Utah, and Arizona, and its cases primarily involve (1) protecting public lands and wildlife from fracking, mining, and other threats; (2) quickly shifting Colorado and nearby states from dirty to clean energy; and (3) protecting urban and rural communities that are disproportionately impacted by pollution and other environmental harms. Responsibilities: Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, the legal extern may:Work with attorneys and other professional staff on case development and litigation.Perform legal and factual research and develop case strategy and legal theories.Assist attorneys with preparing briefs, motions, and comment letters, and meeting with clients and experts.Participate in moots of oral arguments and attend court proceedings and conferences with opposing counsel.Work closely with attorneys and litigation assistants to complete cite checks as needed during periods of high workload volume.Qualifications:Enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during fall 2026.Must be eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship.Excellent writing, research, analytical and organizational skills.Familiarity with legal research tools, including Westlaw.Strong work ethic, initiative, and ability to think creatively.Ability to work collegially with others and independently.Knowledge of environmental and administrative law is a plus.Interest in public interest law and social justice.Must commit to at least 16 hours/week for 12-16 weeks.Physical Requirements: This role may require the ability to:Sit for extended periods with occasional standing and walkingType, file, and/or handle office equipmentLift and carry materialsRead documents, conduct computer work and document reviewCompensation: Legal externs are unpaid and must receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement for their work with Earthjustice. To Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following materials by 5:00pm PT on Friday, May 15, 2026 via Jobvite. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed beginning May 18 with offers extended no later than July 8.Resume.Cover letter - In one page, (1) Address why you want to work with the Rocky Mountain Regional Office and any information about yourself that is not apparent or fully explained in the resume; (2) Note the number of hours, or a reasonable estimate, you will be able to work each week; (3) Confirm that you can earn academic credit from your law school or that you will fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship; and (4) Indicate any applicable deadlines or requirements that are relevant to your submission or ability to accept an offer.Additional Documents (select "Add Files" in Jobvite): (1) Recent writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum of no more than 10 pages that primarily reflects your work. Please include a cover page indicating the extent to which your writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others; and (2) Official or unofficial law school transcript.Finalists will be asked to submit 2 references, including one law professor or legal employer.Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies. Earthjustice only considers applications submitted for current openings via Jobvite. Unsolicited resumes or resumes for posted positions that are not submitted via Jobvite will not be reviewed or retained. 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