Earthjustice’s Los Angeles office is accepting applications for a full- or part-time legal extern for Spring 2022. We are seeking a current law student who shares a passion for justice and a healthy environment, and who is eligible to receive academic credit for the externship.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters and citizens to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

The California Regional office has undertaken campaigns to protect lands and wildlife, improve air and water quality, promote clean energy and transportation policies, and ensure that state residents are protected from toxic substances. The Los Angeles office currently has work focusing on clean energy, air quality in the South Coast and Central Valley, crude-by-rail, and oil and gas development in Kern County and Los Angeles. Our attorneys bring a mix of lawsuits under federal environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act, as well as California statutes like the California Environmental Quality Act, to protect the environment and promote healthy communities.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of an attorney:

• Work on case development and litigation.
• Perform legal and factual research and develop case strategy and legal theories.
• Prepare briefs and motions and meet with clients and experts.
• Participate in moots of oral arguments and attend court proceedings and conferences with opposing counsel.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in law school.
• Must be eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship.
• Commitment of at least 16 hours a week.
• Strong writing, research, analytical and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with legal research tools, including Westlaw.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Interest in public interest and/or environmental justice a plus.

Compensation:

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:

• Cover letter that explains:Your interest in working with the Los Angeles branch of Earthjustice’s California Regional Office,
  Whether you are seeking a full- or a part-time position,
  The number of hours, or a reasonable estimate, you are available to work per week,
  Whether you prefer to work 100% remotely or would be open to coming into our Los Angeles office once we reopen,
  Confirmation that you can earn academic credit from your law school or that you will be fulfilling a graduation requirement, and
  An indication of any applicable deadlines or requirements that are relevant to your submission or ability to accept an offer.
  
• Resume
• Unofficial law school transcript
• Writing sample, preferably a legal memorandum less than ten pages that primarily reflects your work
• List of references, including at least one law professor or legal employer

Click here to apply: https://app.jobvite.com/j?cj=o8Xbhfwh&s=GreenLatinos

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants should indicate on their cover letter if they need a decision by a certain date.

Please note that this job posting for a legal externship does NOT cover summer positions; there is a separate application process for applicants interested in summer clerkships with Earthjustice.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org 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.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.