Spring 2027 Legal Externship – Biodiversity Defense Program

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer. Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.

Earthjustice’s Biodiversity Defense Program litigates cases that seek to confront the biodiversity crisis and its drivers, such as habitat destruction and the over-exploitation of wildlife. The team's goal is to reshape our relationship to lands, water, and wildlife everywhere.

About the role

The Biodiversity Defense Program is accepting applications for one part-time legal extern for spring 2027. We are seeking law students who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment, and who are eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship. The successful candidate may work remotely within the U.S. or on a hybrid schedule from Earthjustice’s Bozeman, Denver, New York, San Francisco, or Seattle office.

The extern can expect to learn core lawyering skills, hone their research and writing chops, and develop strategic thinking abilities in concert with the team’s litigators and staff.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of an attorney, work on research and litigation-related assignments spanning the team’s docket.
• Opportunity to sit in on meetings with opposing counsel or clients, observe court proceedings, and participate in legal strategy discussions.

Requirements

• Enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during spring 2027.
• Must be eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship.
• Must commit to 12-22.5 hours/week.

Qualifications

• 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.

Schedule

Part-time, 12-22.5 hours per week.

Compensation

Legal externs are unpaid and must receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement for their work with Earthjustice.