Law Clerk - Summer 2026 Carnivore Conservation

Center for Biological Diversity; Portland (OR); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization seeks a remote Summer 2026 Law Clerk for the Carnivore Conservation Program. The role involves conducting legal research and writing, supporting litigation efforts, and advocating for ecologically important carnivores. Candidates should have strong legal skills, be passionate about wildlife protection, and have experience in environmental law. This position offers opportunities for growth and learning in a dynamic legal environment.

Benefits

403(b) plan

Paid sick days accrue at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked

Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code

Qualifications

• Must be a law student who has completed their first or second year of law school, or a student pursuing their LLM to be eligible.
• Experience in natural resources, environmental, and/or administrative law preferred.
• Scientific literacy preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and writing, prepare legal memos and filings.
• Assist with interviewing experts and investigating new matters.
• Analyze federal and state legislation relating to endangered species.

Skills

Strong legal research and writing skills

Passionate about protecting wildlife and their habitats

Commitment to equity and justice

Creativity and motivation

Education

Law student who has completed their first or second year

Student pursuing their LLM

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Law Clerk

Program: Carnivore Conservation

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

Full-time; Remote

Reports to: Legal Director

Direct Reports: N/A

Salary Range: $18.07/hour

Location: REMOTE

Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? No

The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a full-time, remote Summer 2026 Law Clerk for the Carnivore Conservation Program. Recognizing the ecological importance of wolves, bears, and other carnivores, the Center uses science-based advocacy to defend these animals from persecution, exploitation and extinction.

Application Instructions

Please upload your cover letter explaining your interest in working at the Center, resume, writing sample (no longer than 10 pages), transcript (unofficial is fine) and three references via our website at https://biologicaldiversity.bamboohr.com/careers/134. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview. No telephone calls, please.

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’s Carnivore Conservation legal team files lawsuits, submits administrative petitions, and participates in other forms of advocacy on behalf of ecologically important carnivores. Law clerks support these advocacy efforts, assisting with the Program’s work on litigation, legal research and writing, and administrative advocacy. Law clerks work on environmental law and litigation projects designed to have a conservation impact. They will work with experienced attorneys who provide supervision, training, and mentorship.

Essential Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and writing, including preparing legal memos, assisting with brief writing, preparing filings, investigating new projects, and drafting official policy comments
• Conduct research and review administrative regulations and other policy proposals
• May have opportunities to present at administrative hearings and observe court arguments or agency proceedings
• Assist with interviewing experts
• Investigate new matters
• Collaborate with coalitions and partners
• Analyze federal and state legislation relating to endangered species, public lands, oceans, energy and pollution
• Track current legislation in Congress relating to the Endangered Species Act, public-land laws, climate and energy laws, marine mammal protection, National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Air Act
• Complete other project work outside of the program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Gained Skills

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

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Must be a law student who has completed their first or second year of law school, or a student pursuing their LLM to be eligible
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Passionate about protecting wildlife and their habitats
• Commitment to equity and justice
• Background or experience in natural resources, environmental, and/or administrative law preferred and scientific literacy preferred
• Creativity and motivation

Working Conditions

This is a remote position and requires a typical schedule of Monday–Friday with some rare night and weekend work required 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.

Cognitive and physical capabilities are described as follows:

• Ability to process and analyze information: Frequently
• Exchange accurate information: Frequently
• Communicate and express oneself: Frequently
• Interaction with other colleagues: Frequently
• Interaction with the public/co-collaborators: Occasionally
• Reading data: Frequently
• Working on a computer: Frequently
• Typing: Frequently
• Writing by hand: Occasionally
• Sitting: Frequently
• Walking: Occasionally
• Standing: Occasionally
• Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: Rarely
• Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: Rarely
• Climbing stairs: Rarely
• Bending: Rarely
• Squatting: Rarely
• Reaching overhead: Rarely
• Repetitive motions: Frequently
• Ability to drive: Occasionally

Location and Travel

Location: In-person required occasionally; primarily remote. Travel required: Rarely. Night or weekend work: Rarely.

Benefits

(Subject to change—see Handbook for more details)

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

Legal and Equal Opportunity

JEDAI STATEMENT: The Center for Biological Diversity values diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all federal and local laws regarding work authorization for new hires. Everyone, regardless of current work authorization, will be considered.

Exempt Classification: Non-Exempt

Applicable Exemption: N/A