Law Clerk - Summer 2026 (Five Positions)

Job Title: Law Clerk

Program: Conservation

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

                                   [  ] Part-time [X] Full-time

                                   [X] Temporary [  ] Regular

Reports to: Staff Attorney

Direct Reports to this position: N/A

Salary Range: $18.07/hour

Location: Oakland, CA – remote possible

Is this position in the Bargaining Unit?  [] Yes,  [X] No

OVERVIEW
The Center for Biological Diversity is currently looking for five full-time Law Clerks for Summer 2026 who share an interest in and passion for justice and environmental protection. Clerks will be hired and then assigned to a different program—either Oceans, Urban Wildlands, the Climate Law Institute, Public Lands, or Environmental Health.  (Other programs and other locations may be hiring separately. Interested applicants are welcome to apply for those positions as well). These positions are located in Oakland, California, although remote work is possible. The expectation is that clerks will work full-time hours. The typical clerkship lasts ten weeks.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

To apply, please upload a:  

1. cover letter explaining your interest in working at the Center and your office location preference (remote or in-office in Oakland);


2. resume;


3. writing sample, preferably of no more than 10 pages that reflects your own legal analysis;


4. transcript (unofficial is fine); and


5. list of three references.

Please submit all application materials via the posting at https://biologicaldiversity.bamboohr.com/careers/129. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified if you’re 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 Oakland office is the base for more than 10 attorneys working on issues as varied as endangered species, ocean protection, climate change, environmental health, water resources, biomass energy, the protection of public lands, and land use in the urban-wildland interface. 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. Clerks will usually be assigned to a program area that aligns with their interests in endangered species, ocean protection, climate change, public lands, environmental health, or urban wildlands. Law clerks assist with legal research and writing, litigation, and administrative advocacy.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND 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.


• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

AREAS IN WHICH SKILLS WILL BE GAINED

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

• Completed at least one year of law school;


• 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

Requires work in an 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.

Cognitive

• Ability to process and analyze information: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  


• Exchange accurate information: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  


• Communicate and express oneself with others: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  


• Interaction with other colleagues: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  


• Interaction with the public/co-collaborators: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [] Frequently

Physical

• Reading (ingest data): [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  


• Working on a computer: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  


• Typing: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  


• Writing by hand: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Sitting: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  


• Walking: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Standing: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Climbing up or down stairs: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Bending: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Squatting: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Reaching overhead: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Repetitive motions: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  


• Ability to drive: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently

Location Conditions

• In person required (versus remote work): [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Travel required:  [X] Rarely    [] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  


• Night or weekend work: [X] Rarely    [ ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently

BENEFITS (Subject to change—see Handbook for more details) 
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.

Exempt Classification: Non-Exempt

Applicable Exemption: N/A

• Reasoning behind this classification: Transactional administrative work with minimal discretion, work is predominately routine in nature and the output can generally be standardized in relation to a given period of time.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

To apply, please upload a:  

1. cover letter explaining your interest in working at the Center and your office location preference (remote or in-office in Oakland);


2. resume;


3. writing sample, preferably of no more than 10 pages that reflects your own legal analysis;


4. transcript (unofficial is fine); and


5. list of three references.

Please submit all application materials via our posting at https://biologicaldiversity.bamboohr.com/careers/129. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified if you’re selected for an interview. No telephone calls, please.