Law Clerk - Summer 2026 Endangered Species Program (two openings)

Job Title: Law Clerk (two openings)

Program: Endangered Species Program

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

                                   [ ] Part-time [X] Full-time

                                   [X] Temporary [ ] Regular

Reports to: Senior Attorney

Direct Reports to this position: N/A

Salary Range: $18.07/hour

Location: Portland, OR

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

The Center for Biological Diversity's Portland office seeks motivated, creative, and experienced law clerks (two openings). The law clerks will split their time between the Endangered Species Program and potentially several other programs. Law clerks are likely to work on projects concerning endangered species, pesticides, land use, public records requests and other environmental matters and will assist with the preparation of litigation, administrative advocacy, and policy development.

How to apply: Please apply online at https://biologicaldiversity.bamboohr.com/careers/133 by completing our application and submitting a cover letter, resume, transcript (unofficial is fine) writing sample, and reference list. The position will remain open until it is filled. The desired start date is 5/26/2026 or as soon as practicable following the completion of the student’s spring semester. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.

Deadline to apply: 10/13/2025

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
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.

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

• Must be a law student who will have completed their second or third year of law school, or a student pursuing their LLMs to be eligible, with a preference for applicants who have taken an administrative law course;
• Background in environmental or biological studies or related experience is preferred;
• Strong legal research and writing skills;
• Passionate about protecting wildlife and their habitats;
• Commitment to equity and justice;

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

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

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

Reaching overhead: [] Rarely    [X ] 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

Work in outdoor conditions: [ X ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Other? _________________ [  ] 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.