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 is currently looking for a full-time law clerk for Summer 2025 to work in the Center’s Energy Justice Program in Washington, DC or Oakland, CA. Remote work is an option for this clerkship.
General Overview: The Energy Justice Program works on cutting-edge issues concerning the clean energy transition, including combating utility and other industry obstacles to clean energy, and advancing the transformative energy policies critical for the planet and species. Law clerks work on litigation and policy projects in support of the Program’s advocacy efforts. Law clerks assist with the Program’s work on litigation, administrative advocacy, and policy development.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct legal research and writing, including preparing legal memos, assisting with brief writing, preparing filings, investigating new cases, and drafting official policy comments.
- On occasion, opportunities to observe court arguments or attend agency hearings.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Must be a rising 3L law student who has completed their first two years, or a student pursuing their LLM, to be eligible;
- Strong legal research and writing skills;
- Background or experience in energy, environmental, and/or administrative law preferred.
AREAS IN WHICH SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE GAINED
- Clerks will gain experience in environmental advocacy, particularly in the energy transition area, drawing on litigation, science, media, and grassroots organizing strategies to fight for the environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
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: [ ] Rarely [X] 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): [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Travel required: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Night or weekend work: [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.
Application process: Please upload your cover letter explaining your interest in working in the Center’s Energy Justice Program, resume, writing sample (no longer than 10 pages), transcript (unofficial is fine) and two references as a single document via our website. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview.
