Spring 2025 Law Clerk - Energy Justice

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 part-time law clerk for Winter/Spring 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 law student who will be a 3L during the spring 2025 semester, 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.