Law Clerk - Summer 2025

 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

General position overview: The Center for Biological Diversity's Portland office seek motivated, creative and experienced law clerks. The law clerks will split their time between the Endangered Species Program and potentially several other programs.

Law clerks are likely to work on projects concerning endangered species, pesticides, land use, public records requests and other environmental matters and will assist with the preparation of litigation, administrative advocacy, and policy development. 

Main duties:

• Conduct legal research and writing;
• Prepare legal memos and assist with pleading and brief writing;
• Prepare filings, investigate new cases and draft official policy comments;
• On occasion, may have opportunities to observe court arguments or attend agency hearings.

Areas in which skills and experience will be gained:

• Summer law clerks will gain experience in environmental advocacy, drawing on litigation, science, media, and grassroots organizing strategies to fight for the environment.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Must be a law student who will have completed their second or third year of law school, or a student pursuing their LLMs to be eligible, with a preference for applicants who have taken an administrative law course;
• Strong legal research and writing skills;
• Creativity, motivation and good humor;
• Background in environmental or biological studies or related experience is preferred.

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: [ x ] Rarely    [  ] 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: [ x ] Rarely    [  ] 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: [  ] Rarely    [ x ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Climbing up or down stairs: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [ x ] Frequently  

Bending: [  ] Rarely    [ x ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Squatting: [  ] Rarely    [ x ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Reaching overhead: [  ] Rarely    [ x ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Repetitive motions: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [ x ] Frequently  

Ability to drive: [ x ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Location Conditions

In person required (versus remote work): [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [ x ] Frequently  

Travel required*:  [ x ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Night or weekend work: [ x ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Work in outdoor conditions: [ x ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

How to apply:  Please apply online by completing our application and submitting a cover letter, resume, writing sample, transcripts and reference list as one PDF document. The position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is as soon as possible. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.

Deadline to apply: Interviews will begin on 10/14 and continue until the position is filled.