Spring 2027 Legal Externship – International Program

Overview

The organization’s International Program is seeking one part-time Legal Extern for Spring 2027.

This externship is available to law students who are eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through the externship. The extern may work remotely within the U.S. or on a hybrid schedule from the organization’s San Francisco, CA office.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, the Legal Extern may:

• Conduct research on U.S., international, and foreign laws, policies, and case studies in the environmental and energy context.
• Conduct factual and/or scientific research.
• Assist in the preparation of memorandums or briefs, including checking citations.
• Draft public communications such as press releases or blog posts.
• Research and develop human rights strategies.

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, initiative, and ability to think creatively.
• Ability to work collegially with others and independently.
• Ability to commit to at least 15 hours/week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of environmental and administrative law.
• Interest in public interest law and social justice.

Compensation & Benefits

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

Location

• Remote within the U.S. or hybrid from San Francisco, CA.

Application Deadline & Process

• Applications due Friday, September 18 at 5:00pm PT.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applications will be reviewed beginning September 21.
• Offers extended no later than November 13.

Required application materials:

• Resume.
• Cover letter (one page) addressing:
  • Why you want to work with the International Program and any information about yourself not apparent or fully explained in the 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 that you will fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship.
  • Any applicable deadlines or requirements relevant to your submission or ability to accept an offer.
• Additional documents (upload as prompted in the application system):
  • Recent writing sample (preferably a legal brief or memorandum) of no more than 10 pages, primarily reflecting your work, with a cover page indicating:
    • The extent to which the writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others.
    • Whether artificial intelligence was used in drafting or editing.
  • Official or unofficial law school transcript.
• Finalists will be asked to submit two references (law professors or legal supervisors).

Equal Opportunity

• The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to 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.

Fair Chance Considerations (If Applicable)

• For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered.
• For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.