Summer Law Clerk

Job Description

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the company and job description:

About the Company (Earthjustice)

• Mission & Purpose: Earthjustice is a non-profit environmental law organization, founded in 1971. Its core mission is to wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. They believe “the earth needs a good lawyer.”
• Approach: Earthjustice achieves its goals through litigation, administrative advocacy, and partnerships. They focus on taking on significant, precedent-setting cases across the country.
• Distinguishing Features: The organization has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. They partner with thousands of groups and supporters.
• Washington D.C. Regional Program: This specific program, where the job is located, focuses on protecting community health and the environment from pollution in the Washington D.C. region. Its work includes advocating for:
• More-protective national air quality standards.
• National safeguards against hazardous air pollutants.
• Prevention of chemical disasters at industrial facilities.
• Clean waterways.
• Climate protection.
• All these efforts are conducted with a strong emphasis on advancing equity and justice.

Job Description: Summer Law Clerk

• Job Title: Summer Law Clerk
• Program: Washington D.C. Regional Program
• Location: Washington D.C. (expected to work proximate to or in an office where the program is located).
• Role Type: Law student position, welcoming applicants from across the country.
• Key Responsibilities: Summer Law Clerks will work closely with attorneys on various aspects of case development and litigation strategy. Specific tasks may include:
• Drafting pleadings and briefs.
• Conducting legal research.
• Developing strategy and legal theories.
• Gathering evidence.
• Attending client meetings.
• Attending court proceedings.
• Programmatic Offerings: Beyond direct legal work, the summer law clerk program includes:
• In-person and virtual seminars with attorneys and guest speakers on current environmental issues.
• Interactions with other local and regional environmental groups.
• A job interview workshop.
• Compensation:
• Paid position.
• Stipend: $1,320.00 per week.
• The final stipend amount will be reduced by any external funding (e.g., from law school’s summer funding program) and applicable taxes.
• External Funding: Candidates are welcome to pursue outside funding, but the ability to secure such funding will not affect the hiring decision.
• Duration: Designed to be 10 weeks long.
• Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week).
• Eligibility:
• Must be enrolled in a U.S. law school through Fall 2026 (i.e., not graduating before December 2026).
• Must be available to commit ten weeks during Summer 2026.
• Must work from the U.S. during the clerkship.
• Application Deadline: 5:00 PM PT on September 1, 2025.
• Application Process:
• Submit a complete application via Jobvite. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Candidates can apply to multiple litigation teams.
• After applying, be prepared to respond to a September follow-up email requesting your ranked choice of the teams you applied for. Do not include rankings in the initial Jobvite application.
• Required Application Materials:
1. Resume.
2. Cover Letter addressing:
• Relevant background not fully explained in the resume.
• Why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and the specific litigation teams you are applying for.
• Particular environmental or public interest issues that inspire you.
3. Additional Documents (upload via “Add Files” in Jobvite):
• Legal Writing Sample: No more than 10 pages, primarily reflecting your work. Include a cover page indicating the extent of edits/feedback from others.
• Unofficial Transcript.
• Finalist Stage: Finalists will be asked to submit two references (law school faculty, legal professional, clinical, or volunteer supervisors).
• Tips for Success: While identical applications are considered, tailoring your cover letter to describe your interest in a specific team is recommended. More information and tips are available on the Earthjustice website’s “Hiring Process” page.
• Support: For technical difficulties or accommodation requests, contact [email protected] (No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies).