Job Description

Law Clerk

The Center for Biological Diversity is currently looking for five full-time Law Clerks for Summer 2026 who share an interest in and passion for justice and environmental protection. Clerks will be hired and then assigned to a different programeither Oceans, Urban Wildlands, the Climate Law Institute, Public Lands, or Environmental Health. These positions are located in Oakland, California, although remote work is possible. The expectation is that clerks will work full-time hours. The typical clerkship lasts ten weeks.

To apply, please upload a:

1. cover letter explaining your interest in working at the Center and your office location preference (remote or in-office in Oakland);
2. resume;
3. writing sample, preferably of no more than 10 pages that reflects your own legal analysis;
4. transcript (unofficial is fine); and
5. list of three references.

Please submit all application materials via our posting. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified if you're selected for an interview. No telephone calls, please.

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.

The Oakland office is the base for more than 10 attorneys working on issues as varied as endangered species, ocean protection, climate change, environmental health, water resources, biomass energy, the protection of public lands, and land use in the urban-wildland interface. 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. Clerks will usually be assigned to a program area that aligns with their interests in endangered species, ocean protection, climate change, public lands, environmental health, or urban wildlands. Law clerks assist with legal research and writing, litigation, and administrative advocacy.

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:

• Completed at least one year of law school;
• 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.

Requires work in an office setting, with a typical schedule of Monday-Friday with some night and weekend work required at times due to deadlines. May need to use typical office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, etc.

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: Frequently
• Exchange accurate information: Frequently
• Communicate and express oneself with others: Frequently
• Interaction with other colleagues: Frequently
• Interaction with the public/co-collaborators: Occasionally

Physical:

• Reading (ingest data): Frequently
• Working on a computer: Frequently
• Typing: Frequently
• Writing by hand: Occasionally
• Sitting: Frequently
• Walking: Occasionally
• Standing: Occasionally
• Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: Rarely
• Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: Rarely
• Climbing up or down stairs: Rarely
• Bending: Occasionally
• Squatting: Occasionally
• Reaching overhead: Occasionally
• Repetitive motions: Frequently
• Ability to drive: Occasionally

Location Conditions:

• In-person required (versus remote work): Occasionally
• Travel required: Rarely
• Night or weekend work: Occasionally

Benefits:

• 403(b) plan.
• Paid sick days accrue at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.

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.

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