Southwest Law Clerk

Job Title: Law Clerk

Program: Southwest

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 or Senior Attorney

Direct Reports to this position: N/A

Salary Range: $19.61/hour

Location: Remote

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

The Center for Biological Diversity’s Southwest Program is hiring a Law Clerk for Summer 2027 to support conservation of imperiled species and public lands in Arizona, New Mexico, and on Utah’s Colorado Plateau. The Law Clerk will gain experience in legal research and writing, and environmental advocacy, drawing on litigation, science, media, and grassroots organizing strategies to fight for wildlife and their habitats in the Southwest.

This position is remote, but remote work from any of the Center office’s may be available based on office capacity. The expectation is that the Law Clerk will work full-time hours (40 hours per week) for ten weeks, but other arrangements may be considered.

To apply, please upload a:  

1. cover letter explaining your interest in clerking in the Center’s Southwest program; 

1. resume;
2. writing sample, preferably of no more than 10 pages that reflects your own legal analysis;
3. transcript (unofficial is fine); and

1. list of three references.

Please submit all application materials via our website at https://biologicaldiversity.bamboohr.com/careers/174. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application review will begin November 1, 2026, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. The desired start date is May 17, 2027. 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 Law Clerk will work in the Southwest program to protect imperiled species and public lands in Arizona, New Mexico, and on the Colorado Plateau. The Southwest program defends imperiled species and their habitats from agency actions and seizes proactive opportunities to protect and re-establish those species and habitats. Primary duties of this position include supporting impact litigation and administrative and policy advocacy to address key threats to imperiled species and advance program campaigns. Familiarity with Southwest regional issues and dynamics is desired but not required. The Law Clerk will work with experienced attorneys who provide supervision, training, and mentorship. The working environment is dynamic, exciting and supportive.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct legal research and writing, including preparing legal memoranda, assisting with brief writing, preparing filings, investigating new projects, and drafting public comments;
• Review administrative regulations and other policy proposals;
• May have opportunities to observe court arguments or agency proceedings;
• Collaborate with diverse coalitions and partners;
• Analyze federal and state legislation relating to endangered species, public lands, and environmental protection; 
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned; and
• Put boots on the ground in the wild places we protect.

AREAS IN WHICH SKILLS WILL BE GAINED

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

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Completed at least one year of law school at time of application;
• Strong legal research and writing skills;
• Passionate about protecting wildlife and their habitats in the Southwest;
• Commitment to equity and justice;
• Background or experience in natural resources, environmental, and/or administrative law preferred and scientific literacy preferred;
• Strong work ethic, time management, and organizational skills;
• Creativity and motivation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires work in an in-person or at-home 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): [X] Rarely    [ ] 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.