The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an environmental law, science, and policy center that makes law work for people, places, and the planet. We envision a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law.  Our mission is to foster innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress.

Since 1999, ELI has annually awarded a prestigious law fellowship. We offer both a one-year and a two-year fellowship opportunity. Each fellowship is an entry-level professional legal position. The one-year fellowship begins in September 2023 and ends August 2024; the two-year fellowship begins September 2023 and ends August 2025. Past law fellows have gone on to judicial clerkships and environmental and human rights advocacy organizations, academia, federal agencies, and law firms.

JOB SUMMARY

The Public Interest Law Fellow works closely with other ELI attorneys and professionals, including our U.S. and international partners, to advance environmental protection, the rule of law, and environmental justice. The work frequently requires considering how environmental protection is affected by other laws and policies that are related to environment and society — e.g., those governing energy, taxation, land use, human rights, and governance and administration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The law fellow is expected to assume substantial responsibility and will work collaboratively with other ELI professional staff in a team approach. Assignments include legal and public policy research, writing, and collaboration across all substantive ELI program areas. More specifically, the Public Interest Law Fellow:

• Analyzes existing legal and public policy tools and crafts innovative approaches to advance environmental protection and environmental justice in multiple US and international settings.
• Works with ELI staff and other professionals to develop and implement professional projects and programs consistent with ELI’s mission.
• Represents the Institute publicly as needed to communicate and foster particular programs and projects.
• Assists in facilitating training activities and may be asked to make public presentations.
• Coordinates Research Associates and/or Research & Policy Interns on tasks related to specific programs (but does not formally supervise them).

QUALIFICATIONS

The fellowship hiring process is rigorous and highly competitive. Applicants must have a JD degree, top academic record and exhibit superior legal research and writing skills. Law review or equivalent experience is preferred; foreign language skills are a plus.

The Environmental Law Institute is collaborative by nature, and you must be able to interact in a professional manner with people from diverse racial, ethnic, political, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We employ anti-racist practices and principles while striving to support ELI’s culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Other skills needed but not limited to include:

Broad knowledge of and experience in environmental, energy, or natural resource law and policy
Excellent skills in policy and legal research, analytical writing, and verbal communication
Proficiency with standard office software, including Microsoft Office
Demonstrated ability to: represent ELI publicly in a manner consistent with our mission and values; contribute to projects effectively and efficiently while producing high quality deliverables; collaborate effectively with others; establish and adhere to deadlines; effectively manage multiple projects; and establish priorities with moderate supervision

COMPENSATION

The annual salary for this position is $55,000. We also provide excellent benefits including:

Health/Dental/Vision insurance  
Flexible Spending Account  
Employer paid life insurance & disability insurance  
Long Term Care insurance  
Pre-tax transportation benefit  
Fitness Incentive  
403(b) Retirement Savings Account with employer match  
Paid time off