Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is seeking Law Clerks for the summer of 2023 to assist with our portfolio of uniquely positioned environmental law and policy projects addressing critical environmental and sustainable development challenges domestically and internationally.  

About the Clerkship

In accord with our mission to build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders, ELI provides opportunities for law students to join us at the Institute. We welcome applications from law students interested in working as a law clerk during the summer of 2023 (approximately May to August).

Law clerks work closely with ELI experts on domestic and international research projects spanning ELI’s full range of program areas. Law clerks also may assist in the editing and production of ELI publications, such as the Environmental Law Reporter. Law clerks provide crucial support for ELI projects and publications by conducting legal and policy research, analyzing environmental laws, drafting memoranda and other products, and otherwise assisting in the preparation of published materials.

We encourage law clerks to supplement their work experience by attending the seminars and events that ELI hosts, as well as social and networking opportunities provided by ELI and our partners.

Qualifications

Eligibility is limited to students enrolled in law school (i.e., applicants are ineligible if they graduate law school before or during the clerkship).
Broad knowledge of or interest in environmental, energy, or natural resource law and policy, or a related field.
Excellent skills in policy and legal research and analytical writing.
Ability to become proficient in new issue areas and contribute to creative, rigorous, analytical approaches to address them. 
Strong communication skills. 
Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills. 
Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Language skills are appreciated.

About ELI

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.

ELI’s Research and Policy experts develop innovative legal and governance solutions to challenges in areas such as climate change; environmental justice; natural resource management; land conservation and smart growth; biodiversity loss and habitat destruction; and air, water, and soil pollution. Together, ELI’s staff aims to:

Build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders and institutions
Research and analyze complex and pressing environmental challenges
Promote and disseminate the best thinking through print and electronic media
Work with partners to develop and implement laws, policies, and other means to protect the environment and society
Convene people with diverse perspectives to build understanding through robust dialogue

For more information on ELI’s programs, visit https://www.eli.org/programs.

Compensation

ELI will provide clerks an hourly wage of $21.50 for 10 weeks. In order to participate in the paid law clerk program, you must be physically present in the DC metro area (where ELI’s office is located) during the clerkship. 

How to Apply

To apply, submit an application package via ELI's online application system by visiting https://www.eli.org/employment. Note that your submission must contain the following uploaded documents (Word or PDF format), as follows:  

Cover letter  
Resume (including college and law school GPAs)
List of 3 references
Law school transcript
A writing sample 

Applications must be submitted no later than November 18, 2022 at 11:59pm EDT and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You must use ELI’s online application system; ELI cannot accept applications submitted by email, USPS or other shipping service, or hand delivery.

Please note that to ensure the health and safety of the ELI workforce, any offer of employment from ELI is contingent on candidates providing proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.  ELI management will consider requests for religious or medical exceptions, consistent with applicable law.   

ELI is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to achieving an inclusive, diverse workforce that values every individual. We firmly believe that hiring individuals with varying perspectives and backgrounds contributes to our success as an organization, and we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusiveness. As such, minority candidates and candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.