Job Title: Law Clerk

Program: Southwest

Employment Type: Hourly (non-exempt – this position is eligible for over time)

Full-time

Temporary

Reports to: Staff or Senior Attorney

Direct Reports to this position: N/A

Salary Range: $19.61/hour

Location: Remote

Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? No

About the Center

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

The Law Clerk will work in the Southwest program to protect imperiled species and public lands in Arizona, New Mexico, and on the Colorado Plateau. The Southwest program defends imperiled species and their habitats from agency actions and seizes proactive opportunities to protect and re-establish those species and habitats. Primary duties of this position include supporting impact litigation and administrative and policy advocacy to address key threats to imperiled species and advance program campaigns. Familiarity with Southwest regional issues and dynamics is desired but not required. The Law Clerk will work with experienced attorneys who provide supervision, training, and mentorship. The working environment is dynamic, exciting and supportive.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and writing, including preparing legal memoranda, assisting with brief writing, preparing filings, investigating new projects, and drafting public comments;
• Review administrative regulations and other policy proposals;
• May have opportunities to observe court arguments or agency proceedings;
• Collaborate with diverse coalitions and partners;
• Analyze federal and state legislation relating to endangered species, public lands, and environmental protection;
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned;
• Put boots on the ground in the wild places we protect.

Areas in Which Skills Will Be Gained

Clerks will gain experience in legal research and writing, and environmental advocacy, drawing on litigation, science, media, and grassroots organizing strategies to fight for wildlife and their habitats in the Southwest.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Completed at least one year of law school at time of application;
• Strong legal research and writing skills;
• Passionate about protecting wildlife and their habitats in the Southwest;
• Commitment to equity and justice;
• Background or experience in natural resources, environmental, and/or administrative law preferred and scientific literacy preferred;
• Strong work ethic, time management, and organizational skills;
• Creativity and motivation.

Working Conditions

Requires work in an in-person or at-home office setting, with a typical schedule of Monday-Friday with some night and weekend work required at times due to deadlines. May need to use typical office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, etc.

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.

Benefits

For all temporary staff:

• 403(b) plan.
• Paid sick days accrue at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.

JEDAI Statement

The Center for Biological Diversity deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities, and cultures. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth. We are an equal opportunity employer. The Center complies with all federal and local laws regarding work authorization for new hires. We welcome and encourage anyone interested to apply to any of our open positions. Everyone, regardless of current work authorization, will be considered.