Public Interest Environmental Litigation Clerkships for 2Ls (10 Weeks; Paid)

Summer 2026 / Boise, ID & Portland, OR

Advocates for the West seeks two highly qualified and motivated summer law clerks to work closely with our attorneys on our busy docket of environmental litigation during summer 2026.

About Advocates for the West: Advocates for the West is a leading non-profit public interest environmental law firm that represents conservation groups, Native American Tribes, and concerned citizens, primarily in federal court. During the last 22 years, Advocates for the West has established a successful track record using law and science to protect public lands, fish and wildlife, and clean air and water across the American West.

Position Description: Summer law clerks conduct legal and factual research, provide litigation and pre-litigation support, and draft legal documents, all under the supervision of one or more of our eight attorneys. Law clerks typically have the opportunity to research and write a notice of intent to sue, complaint, and/or a brief, in addition to legal memos. Law clerks work closely with client partners, join in field visits, and attend court proceedings. Law clerks actively participate in our staff meetings, board meetings, public outreach events, and other essential aspects of our work. We also provide weekly seminars and other events for summer law clerks to get to know and learn from each other, our attorneys, and our conservation partners.

Qualifications: Law students who will complete their 2L year by Summer 2026 are eligible to apply. Applicants with strong research and writing skills and a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection are preferred. We value diversity and encourage students from communities underrepresented in environmental law to apply.

Locations: One clerk in our Boise, Idaho headquarters, and one clerk in our Portland, Oregon office. The majority of the clerkship is in person, with the option for some remote work.

Duration: 10 weeks. Flexible start and end dates.

Compensation: $10,000 stipend.

To Apply: Please fill out this form, https://forms.gle/b55xqu7HWbRwCEe56. For the form, you will need a single PDF file with your cover letter, resume, transcript, and recent writing sample. Use your name to title the pdf as follows: “YourLastName.YourFirstName.pdf”

Timeline: We are accepting applications now until the positions are filled. We intend to start reviewing applications on September 22 and to conduct interviews in early October.

Advocates for the West

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