Spring 2025 Law Clerk - Florida & Caribbean

at  Center for Biological Diversity

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 Center for Biological Diversity’s Florida & Caribbean office seeks a diligent and enthusiastic law clerk with a demonstrated interest in public interest environmental law to assist program attorneys with work to protect terrestrial, aquatic, and marine species and their habitat in Florida and the Caribbean. Assignments will center around litigation, administrative advocacy, and policy development to address a variety of issues relevant to the region, including but not limited to: endangered species conservation, land use, climate change, freshwater and wetland protection, toxic pollution, and landscape-scale conservation. Law clerks will primarily work with regional program attorneys but may also have opportunities to work with staff in other conservation programs.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Must be a 2L, 3L, or LLM student during the spring 2025 semester
• Strong research and writing skills
• Comfort with independent and self-motivated work
• Familiarity with environmental and administrative law preferred
• Background in environmental or biological studies or related experience preferred

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.

• Research and draft legal memoranda to inform litigation and conservation advocacy
• Research and draft filings and petitions (e.g., notices of intent to sue, complaints, briefs, regulatory petitions)
• Draft formal comments in response to federal, state, and local agency proposals
• Assist with interviewing experts
• Investigate new matters
• Collaborate with coalitions and partners
• Advocate orally before federal, state, and local agencies (as opportunities arise)
• Observe court arguments and hearings (as opportunities arise)
• Assist with preparing creative media and educational materials for campaigns (as opportunities arise)
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned