Job Title: Law Clerk
Program: Carnivore Conservation
Employment Type: [ ] Salary [X] Hourly (non-exempt – this position is eligible for over time)
[ ] Part-time [X] Full-time
[X] Temporary [ ] Regular
Reports to: Legal Director
Direct Reports to this position: N/A
Salary Range: $19.61/hour
Location: Remote
Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? [] Yes, [X] No
The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a Summer 2027 Law Clerk for the Carnivore Conservation Program. Recognizing the ecological importance of wolves, bears, and other carnivores, the Center uses science-based advocacy to defend these magnificent animals from persecution, exploitation and extinction.
How to apply: Please apply online by completing our application and submitting a pdf that includes a cover letter, resume, writing sample, transcripts, and reference list. The position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is June 1, 2027. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.
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’s Carnivore Conservation legal team files lawsuits, submits administrative petitions, and participates in other forms of advocacy on behalf of ecologically important carnivores. Law Clerks support these advocacy efforts, assisting with the Program’s work on litigation, legal research and writing, and administrative advocacy. Law Clerks work on environmental law and litigation projects designed to have a conservation impact. They will work with experienced attorneys who provide supervision, training, and mentorship.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct legal research and writing, including preparing legal memos, assisting with brief writing, preparing filings, investigating new projects, and drafting official policy comments.
Conduct research and review administrative regulations and other policy proposals.
May have opportunities to present at administrative hearings and observe court arguments or agency proceedings.
Assist with interviewing experts.
Investigate new matters.
Collaborate with coalitions and partners.
Analyze federal and state legislation relating to endangered species, public lands, oceans, energy and pollution.
Track current legislation in Congress relating to the Endangered Species Act, public-land laws, climate and energy laws, marine mammal protection, National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Air Act.
Complete other project work outside of the program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
AREAS IN WHICH SKILLS WILL BE GAINED
Clerks will gain experience in legal research and writing, and environmental advocacy, particularly in the natural resources area, drawing on litigation, science, media, and grassroots organizing strategies to fight for wildlife and their habitats.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Must be a law student who has completed their first or second year of law school, or a student pursuing their LLM to be eligible;
Strong legal research and writing skills;
Passionate about protecting wildlife and their habitats;
Commitment to equity and justice;
Background or experience in natural resources, environmental, and/or administrative law preferred and scientific literacy preferred;
Creativity and motivation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires work in an office setting, with a typical schedule of Monday-Friday with some rare night and weekend work required at times due to deadlines. May need to use typical office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, etc.
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
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
BENEFITS (Subject to change—see Handbook for more details)
For all temporary staff
403(b) plan.
Paid sick days accrue at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.
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.
The Center complies with all federal and local laws regarding work authorization for new hires. We welcome and encourage anyone interested to apply to any of our open positions. Everyone, regardless of current work authorization, will be considered.
Exempt Classification: Non-Exempt
Applicable Exemption: N/A
Reasoning behind this classification: Transactional administrative work with minimal discretion, work is predominately routine in nature and the output can generally be standardized in relation to a given period of time.
