Spring 2027 Legal Externship – Biodiversity Defense Program

Overview

The organization is seeking a part-time legal extern for Spring 2027 through the Biodiversity Defense Program.

This externship is designed for law students who are eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through the program. The extern may work remotely within the U.S. or follow a hybrid schedule from one of the following offices: Bozeman, Denver, New York, San Francisco, or Seattle.

The Biodiversity Defense Program litigates cases addressing the biodiversity crisis and its drivers, including habitat destruction and the over-exploitation of wildlife. Externs will support the team’s docket while developing core lawyering skills, including research and writing, and gaining experience with strategic thinking alongside litigators and staff.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of an attorney, the legal extern will:

• Conduct research and complete litigation-related assignments for the team’s docket
• Have the opportunity to sit in on meetings with opposing counsel or clients
• Observe court proceedings
• Participate in legal strategy discussions

Requirements

• Enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during Spring 2027
• Must be eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and organizational skills
• Familiarity with legal research tools, including Westlaw
• Strong work ethic and initiative, with the ability to think creatively
• Ability to work collegially with others and independently
• Knowledge of environmental and administrative law is a plus
• Interest in public interest law and social justice
• Must commit to 12–22.5 hours/week

Compensation & Benefits

• Legal externs are unpaid.
• Academic credit or fulfillment of a graduation requirement is required for work with the organization.

Location

Remote within the U.S. or hybrid from: Bozeman, Denver, New York, San Francisco, or Seattle.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit materials by Friday, September 18 at 5:00pm PT.

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 21, with offers extended no later than November 13.

Submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter (one page) addressing:
  • Why you want to work with the Biodiversity Defense Program and any information not apparent or fully explained in your resume
  • The number of hours (or a reasonable estimate) you can work each week
  • Confirmation that you can earn academic credit from your law school or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship
  • Any applicable deadlines or requirements relevant to your submission or ability to accept an offer
• Additional documents:
  • Recent writing sample (preferably a legal brief or memorandum of no more than 10 pages) reflecting primarily your work
  • A cover page indicating the extent to which the writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others, and whether artificial intelligence was used in drafting or editing
  • Official or unofficial law school transcript

Finalists will be asked to submit 2 references (law professors or legal supervisors).

No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies. Only applications submitted for current openings through the organization’s application system will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity / Fair Chance Notices

The organization is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to employment practices that ensure equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the organization will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: The organization will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.