The Biodiversity Defense Program focuses on the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss, including habitat destruction and over-exploitation (or over-hunting) of wildlife. As the scope of this work is so immense and intersectional, a key piece of the program’s strategy is partnering with our regional offices and programs to add litigation and policy knowledge to their work and to build new partnerships. Additionally, we advance policies aimed at protecting habitat critical to the survival of species, such as a national plan to permanently protect America’s carbon-dense and biodiverse mature and old-growth forests.
Responsibilities: Under the supervision of an attorney, the legal extern will contribute legal research and writing related to new and ongoing cases for the Biodiversity Defense Program. Qualifications:
- Enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during spring 2025.
- Must be eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship.
- 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 environmental and administrative law is a plus.
- Interest in public interest law and social justice.
- If full-time, must commit to 37.5 hours per week.
- If part-time, must commit to at least 12 hours per week.
Interested candidates should submit the following materials by 5:00pm PT on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed beginning August 15 with offers extended no later than October 11.
- Resume.
- Cover letter – In one page, (1) Address why you want to work with the Biodiversity Defense Program and any information about yourself that is not apparent or fully explained in the resume; (2) Note the number of hours, or a reasonable estimate, you will be able to work each week; (3) Confirm that you can earn academic credit from your law school or that you will fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship; and (4) Indicate any applicable deadlines or requirements that are relevant to your submission or ability to accept an offer.
- Additional Documents (select “Add Files” in Jobvite): Recent writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum of no more than 10 pages that primarily reflects your work. Please include a cover page indicating the extent to which your writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others.
- Finalists will be asked to submit 2 references, including one law professor or legal employer.