ABOUT THE CENTER
The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, believes the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals, plants and people. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law, activism and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that humans, other species and all communities need to survive and thrive.
We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Center for Biological Diversity’s Florida & Caribbean office seeks a diligent and enthusiastic law clerk with a demonstrated interest in public interest environmental law to assist program attorneys with work to protect terrestrial, aquatic, and marine species and their habitat in Florida and the Caribbean. Assignments will center around litigation, administrative advocacy, and policy development to address a variety of issues relevant to the region, including but not limited to: endangered species conservation, land use, climate change, freshwater and wetland protection, toxic pollution, and landscape-scale conservation. Law clerks will primarily work with regional program attorneys but may also have opportunities to work with staff in other conservation programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research and draft legal memoranda to inform litigation and conservation advocacy
- Research and draft filings and petitions (e.g., notices of intent to sue, complaints, briefs, regulatory petitions)
- Draft formal comments in response to federal, state, and local agency proposals
- Assist with interviewing experts
- Investigate new matters
- Collaborate with coalitions and partners
- Advocate orally before federal, state, and local agencies (as opportunities arise)
- Observe court arguments and hearings (as opportunities arise)
- Assist with preparing creative media and educational materials for campaigns (as opportunities arise)
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Must be a 2L, 3L, or LLM student during the spring 2025 semester
- Strong research and writing skills
- Comfort with independent and self-motivated work
- Familiarity with environmental and administrative law preferred
- Background in environmental or biological studies or related experience preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is primarily remote, meaning you will be working in a remote office-environment of your choosing. There will be opportunities for in-person meetings, attendance at hearings, and field visits if candidates are in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. Litigation-related work will be completed under firm deadlines.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
This is not a complete description of all workplace conditions, and conditions are subject to change per the Organization’s discretion.
Cognitive
Ability to process and analyze information: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Exchange accurate information: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Communicate and express oneself with others: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Interaction with other colleagues: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Interaction with the public/co-collaborators: [ ] Rarely [ X ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Physical
Reading (ingest data): [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Working on a computer: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Typing: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Writing by hand: [ ] Rarely [ X ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Sitting: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Walking: [ ] Rarely [ X ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Standing: [ ] Rarely [ X ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Hiking: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Climbing up or down stairs: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Bending: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Squatting: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Reaching overhead: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Repetitive motions: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Ability to drive: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Location Conditions
In person required (versus remote work): [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Travel required: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Night or weekend work: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Work in outdoor conditions: [ X ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
JEDAI STATEMENT
The Center for Biological Diversity deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities and cultures. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
How to apply: Please apply online by completing our application and submitting a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference list. The position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is as soon as possible. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.
Deadline to apply: February 6, 2024 (but we expect to start interviewing as soon as we have candidates and may choose earlier)
