Law Clerk - Summer 2026 Government Affairs

Job Title: Law Clerk

Program: Government Affairs

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

                                   [ X ] Part-time [X] Full-time  (either)

                                   [X] Temporary [  ] Regular

Reports to: Staff
Policy Specialist

Direct Reports to this position: N/A

Salary Range: $18.07/hour

Location: Hybrid,
Washington D.C. (preferred)

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

How to apply: Please apply online by completing our application and submitting a cover letter, resume, writing sample, transcripts and reference list as one PDF document. The position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is 5/11/2026. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. 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 for Biological Diversity is looking for a Summer 2026 Government Affairs Law Clerk to work either within the Center's Washington, DC Office in a hybrid role, or virtually. The DC office is a hub of legal activity, with attorneys working on cutting-edge environmental law issues. Legal/policy interns are likely to work on projects concerning endangered species, public lands, oceans, and pollution issues, focusing primarily on congressional legislation and administrative regulatory proposals. Working in the DC office also provides the opportunity for clerks to attend meetings with congressional staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Focus primarily on analyzing federal and state legislation relating to endangered species, public lands, oceans, energy and pollution;


• Conduct research and review administrative regulations and other policy proposals;


• Draft policy comments and assist with other Government Affairs program priorities;


• 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, with opportunities to attend meetings with agency and congressional staff;


• Complete other project work outside of the program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities;


• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

AREAS IN WHICH SKILLS WILL BE GAINED

Clerks will gain experience in environmental advocacy, drawing on litigation, science, media, and grassroots organizing strategies to fight for the environment.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Must be a 2L or 3L law student, 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

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.