Center for Biological Diversity
Law Clerk - Spring 2026 Energy Justice
Center for Biological Diversity, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Job Title: Law Clerk
Program: Energy Justice
Employment Type: Salary Hourly (non-exempt – this position is eligible for over time)
Part-time – Temporary
Reports to: Legal Director
Direct Reports to this position: N/A
Salary Range: $18.07
Location: Remote
Bargaining Unit: No
The Center for Biological Diversity is currently looking for a part‑time Law Clerk for Spring 2026 to work remotely in the Center’s Energy Justice Program.
Application process: Please upload your cover letter explaining your interest in working in the Center’s Energy Justice Program, resume, writing sample (no longer than 10 pages), transcript (unofficial is fine) and two references as a single document via our website. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview.
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 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;
Complete other project work outside of the program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities;
Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.
Areas in Which Skills 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.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
Must be a 3L law student, or a student pursuing their LLM, to be eligible;
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.
Working Conditions Requires work in a remote 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.
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.
Job Requirements
Cognitive: Ability to process and analyze information frequently.
Exchange accurate information frequently.
Communicate and express oneself frequently.
Interaction with colleagues frequently.
Interaction with the public/collaborators occasionally.
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 rarely.
Squatting rarely.
Reaching overhead rarely.
Repetitive motions occasionally.
Ability to drive rarely.
In‑person required occasionally.
Travel required rarely.
Night or weekend work rarely.
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.
JEDI 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. 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.
Exempt Classification Non‑Exempt (Transactional administrative work with minimal discretion, work is predominately routine in nature and the output can generally be standardized in relation to a given period of time).
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Program: Energy Justice
Employment Type: Salary Hourly (non-exempt – this position is eligible for over time)
Part-time – Temporary
Reports to: Legal Director
Direct Reports to this position: N/A
Salary Range: $18.07
Location: Remote
Bargaining Unit: No
The Center for Biological Diversity is currently looking for a part‑time Law Clerk for Spring 2026 to work remotely in the Center’s Energy Justice Program.
Application process: Please upload your cover letter explaining your interest in working in the Center’s Energy Justice Program, resume, writing sample (no longer than 10 pages), transcript (unofficial is fine) and two references as a single document via our website. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview.
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 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;
Complete other project work outside of the program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities;
Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.
Areas in Which Skills 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.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
Must be a 3L law student, or a student pursuing their LLM, to be eligible;
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.
Working Conditions Requires work in a remote 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.
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.
Job Requirements
Cognitive: Ability to process and analyze information frequently.
Exchange accurate information frequently.
Communicate and express oneself frequently.
Interaction with colleagues frequently.
Interaction with the public/collaborators occasionally.
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 rarely.
Squatting rarely.
Reaching overhead rarely.
Repetitive motions occasionally.
Ability to drive rarely.
In‑person required occasionally.
Travel required rarely.
Night or weekend work rarely.
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.
JEDI 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. 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.
Exempt Classification Non‑Exempt (Transactional administrative work with minimal discretion, work is predominately routine in nature and the output can generally be standardized in relation to a given period of time).
#J-18808-Ljbffr