2027 Gulf Regional Clerkship

The Gulf Regional Office of Earthjustice is seeking summer law clerks to support frontline communities in protecting the health and ecosystems of the Gulf region. Located in Houston, Texas, the office works to deepen regional partnerships and defend against toxic pollution and large-scale fossil fuel expansion.

About the Role

Earthjustice, founded in 1971, is dedicated to achieving significant, lasting environmental protections through legal action and community partnerships. As a summer law clerk, you will work with attorneys on case development and litigation strategy, drafting pleadings and briefs, conducting legal research, developing strategies, gathering evidence, and attending client meetings and court proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Work with several attorneys on case development and litigation strategy
• Draft pleadings and briefs
• Do legal research
• Develop strategy and legal theories
• Gather evidence
• Attend client meetings and court proceedings

Compensation

The total stipend amount will be dependent on external funding, such as from a law school's summer funding program. Earthjustice will provide a one-time stipend of $1,382.00 per week, minus any external funding received 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

• Candidates must be enrolled in a U.S. law school through fall 2027 and be available to commit ten weeks during summer 2027.
• Summer law clerks must work from the U.S. during their clerkship.
• Interested candidates should submit their 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 in.
• Finalists will be asked to submit two references; these may be law school faculty or legal professionals, clinical, or volunteer supervisors.

Application Materials

• Resume
• A cover letter addressing: (1) relevant aspects of your background 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) particular environmental or public interest issues inspiring you.
• A recent legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages, including a cover page indicating the extent to which your writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others.
• An unofficial transcript.

Resources

Additional information about the hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process. For technical difficulties or accommodation requests, contact us at [email protected].