Law Clerk - Fall 2025 Govenment 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 

                                   [X] Temporary [ ] Regular 

Reports to: Staff
Policy Specialist 

Direct Reports to this position: N/A 

Salary Range: $18.07/hour 

Location: Preferred Washington D.C. 

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

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 as a single document via our website. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified if you're selected for an interview. 

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 Fall 2025 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. Law Clerks 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; 

• 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 (to do the job) 

• 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 

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    

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.