Environmental Defense Center Law Clerk & Extern Program

Overview

The Environmental Defense Center (EDC) is a nonprofit public interest environmental law firm, established in 1977, that represents community groups dedicated to environmental quality in California’s South Central Coast region (Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties). EDC represents clients in court and before government agencies, provides legal counsel and advice, and offers educational opportunities to the community on issues involving land use, open space and habitat protection, watersheds and water quality, wetland and natural resource protection, toxics, offshore oil and gas development, public lands, endangered species, marine protection, and public access.

EDC hires law students for summer clerkships as well as externships during the regular school year. Law clerks and externs are involved in substantive activities such as conducting legal research; drafting memos and pleadings; participating in client meetings, strategy discussions and negotiations; appearing before public agencies; and observing court arguments. EDC attorneys involve students in every aspect of actual cases.

• Contribute to substantive activities such as legal research, drafting memos and pleadings, and participating in client meetings, strategy discussions, negotiations, and appearances before public agencies.
• Observe court arguments and assist attorneys in all aspects of actual cases.

• 2L students with a background or interest in environmental law.
• A demonstrated commitment to public interest work.

Send cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript, and a list of three references to Brandi Webber, Office Manager & Event Coordinator, at: brandi@Environmental Defense Center .org.

This position can work out of EDC’s Santa Barbara office, but remote candidates will be considered. Stipend and/or housing assistance may be available.

Deadlines: Preferred deadline for 2L applicants is Friday, November 28; applications may be submitted earlier and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Preferred deadline for 1L applicants is Friday, January 30
; applications may be submitted earlier and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Applications for semester-length externships are accepted at any time and will be evaluated on a rolling basis.