Earthjustice’s International Program is accepting applications for full- or part-time legal externs for Spring 2022. We are seeking current law students who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment and are 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 International Program has a long history of working across borders to use U.S., foreign, and international law to protect the global environment. Drawing on deep experience in international human rights law, international environmental law, and U.S., foreign and international litigation, we work with partners in South Africa, South Asia, Australia, Indonesia, Latin America and elsewhere. Together with our partners, we use strategic legal advocacy to reduce dependence on dirty fossil fuels and to develop regulatory frameworks for, and remove obstacles to, the accelerated deployment of clean energy.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of an attorney:

• Conduct legal and policy research on issues related to international, environmental, and human rights law.
• Draft a variety of legal documents such as legal memos and submissions to U.S., foreign, and international courts and tribunals.
• Assist in the development of public outreach materials, such as reports, press releases and blog posts.

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 12 hours a week.
• 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 administrative and environmental law preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in environmental protection and environmental justice preferred.

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 via https://app.jobvite.com/j?cj=opOfhfwt&s=GreenLatinos:

• Cover letter that explains:

1. Your interest in working with the Earthjustice’s International Program
2. Whether you are seeking a full- or a part-time position,
3. The number of hours, or a reasonable estimate, you are available to work per week,
4. Whether you prefer to work 100% remotely or would be open to coming into our San Francisco office once we reopen,
5. Confirmation that you can earn academic credit from your law school or that you will be fulfilling a graduation requirement, and
6. 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

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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.