2027 Community Partnerships Clerkship

About the role

We work in deep partnership with frontline communities to eliminate environmental hazards and expand access to environmental benefits. Together with our community partners, we challenge harmful social and political systems while striving to improve the environmental health of neighborhoods across the country.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings and briefs
• Do legal research
• Develop strategy and legal theories
• Gather evidence
• Attend client meetings and court proceedings

Requirements

• Enrolled in a U.S. law school through fall 2027 (i.e., not graduating before December 2027)
• Available to commit ten weeks during summer 2027
• Work from the U.S. during the clerkship

Compensation

Earthjustice summer law clerkships are paid positions. The total stipend amount will be dependent on any external funding a student secures, such as through their law school's summer funding program. Earthjustice will provide a one-time stipend at the start of the clerkship in the amount of $1,382.00 per week, minus the total amount received from any other sources and applicable taxes. The summer law clerkship is designed to be 10 weeks long at full-time hours (37.5 hours/week).

How to Apply

• Submit your complete application via Jobvite by September 7, 2026
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Candidates may submit applications to whichever and however many litigation teams they are interested
• Please be prepared to respond to our September follow-up e-mail, requesting your ranked choice of the teams for which you have applied

Application Materials

• Resume
• A cover letter addressing: (1) relevant aspects of your background that are not apparent or fully explained in your resume; (2) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and the litigation teams for which you are applying; and (3) whether there are particular environmental or public interest issues that inspire you
• A recent legal writing sample 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
• Unofficial transcript

Resources

• Additional information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process