Legal Intern
Job Location:
Washington, DC - USA
Hourly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Job Title: Legal Intern
Department: Environmental Law Program
Location: Oakland CA; Washington DC
Reports to: Manager Environmental Law Program
Duration:
Spring/Fall: 14 weeks 20 hours per week
Summer: 10 weeks 37.5 hours per week
Context: At the Sierra Club we believe in the power of interdependence. Together we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental racial economic and gender justice a future where all people benefit from a healthy thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice we will continue to fight for a bold transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet our humanity and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected and the overlap between ecology race gender and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.
Scope: The Environmental Law Program is at the cutting edge of climate change litigation. We work with our allies to reduce the environmental and public health degradation that flows from the lifecycle of fossil fuel use ranging from destructive mining and fracking to combustion to disposal. At the same time we advocate for the expansion of energy efficiency and renewable energy the past few years alone we have achieved tremendous public health and climate change benefits for many communities including for those engaged in environmental justice struggles in particular.
ELP seeks law students passionate about public interest environmental litigation to assist with our strategic lawsuits. Interns work on many aspects of litigation including undertaking legal research preparing written memoranda and conducting factual investigation. During the course of the program students typically work with several of the Clubs attorneys thus gaining exposure to a wide range of litigation styles. Our interns are encouraged to participate in weekly legal team meetings where we discuss our dockets and strategies.
Conduct legal research and factual investigation.
Prepare written memoranda public records requests and draft other legal documents.
Research prospects for new litigation including factual and legal claims.
Assist in the review of legal documents instruments and other material.
Attend court appearances (depending on cases assigned).
Work on discovery (depending on cases assigned).
Currently a JD candidate.
Exceptional writing research analytical and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks and adhere to deadlines.
Committed to evolution.You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study openness and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach can-do attitude a sense of humor and authentic kindness wherever you go
- A demonstrated interest in environmental and/or public interest law.
Compensation
The hourly rate for this position is $18 - $20 per hour depending on location. For interns receiving external funding if necessary Sierra Club will provide supplemental compensation to ensure the total hourly equivalent meets this rate. External funding is not a factor in hiring decisions. Academic credit is available depending on your schools policy.
This is a category 99 non-exempt non-represented temporary position.
Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Sierra Club employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club People Department in consultation with the employees manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce belonging.
To Apply
The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit qualifications lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race color creed religion national origin immigration status socioeconomic status ancestry age size sex sexual orientation gender gender identity familial status veteran status disability AIDS/HIV status medical condition prior conviction arrest history traits historically associated with race including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black Indigenous and other minoritized groups; women; queer transgender gender non-conforming and gender fluid people.
Explore enjoy and protect the planet.
Required Experience:
Intern
About Company
Sierra Club has grown to become America's largest grassroots environmental advocacy organization--and also one of its most effective. The Sierra Club promotes outdoor activities and environmental activism on both the local and national levels through political lobbying, education, out ... View more
