Public Interest Environmental Law Fellow

Since 1969, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) has played a pivotal role in shaping the fields of environmental law, policy, and management, domestically and abroad. We are an internationally recognized, non-partisan research and education center working to strengthen environmental protection by improving law and governance worldwide.

Since 1999, ELI has annually awarded a prestigious law fellowship. Past law fellows have gone on to judicial clerkships, environmental and human rights organizations, academia, government agencies, law firms, and more.

We are currently offering a one-year fellowship position with the possibility of extension to two years. The fellowship is an entry-level professional legal position for candidates who have graduated from a J.D. program at an accredited U.S. law school (to include candidates who pursued an LLM following their J.D. and/or have held another temporary clerkship or fellowship since graduating). The position is available immediately.

The Public Interest Environmental Law Fellow works closely with other ELI attorneys and professionals, including our U.S. and international partners, to advance environmental protection and the rule of law across the U.S. and around the world. The fellow’s work frequently requires considering how environmental protection is affected by other areas of law and policy that are related to environment and society (e.g., energy law, administrative law, land use law, human rights law, tax law).

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The law fellow is expected to assume substantial responsibility and will work collaboratively with other ELI professional staff in a team approach. Assignments include legal and public policy research, writing, and collaboration across all substantive ELI program areas. More specifically, the Public Interest Environmental Law Fellow:

• Analyzes existing legal and public policy tools and crafts innovative approaches to advance environmental policy in multiple U.S. and international settings;
• Works with ELI staff and other professionals to develop and implement projects and programs consistent with ELI’s mission;
• Represents the Institute publicly as needed to communicate and foster specific ELI programs and projects;
• Assists in developing and facilitating training activities and educational programs (and may be asked to make public presentations from time to time);
• Coordinates the work of ELI Research Associates and/or Research & Policy Interns on tasks related to specific projects and programs (but does not formally supervise them).

QUALIFICATIONS

The fellowship hiring process is rigorous and competitive. Applicants must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school, a top academic record, superior legal research and writing skills, and 0-2 years of experience in environmental law and/or policy. Law review or equivalent journal experience is preferred; foreign language skills are a plus.

Other skills needed include, e.g.:

• Broad knowledge of and experience in environmental, energy, and/or natural resource law and policy
• Deep understanding of how the U.S. constitution, statutes, regulations, and judge-made common law are made, function, and interact at federal and state levels.
• Excellent skills in policy and legal research, analytical writing, and verbal communication
• Proficiency with standard office software, including Microsoft Office
• Ability to be on-site in our DC office 2 days a week (we are open to the possibility of remote work for the right candidate)
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Represent ELI publicly in a manner consistent with our mission and values;
  • Contribute to projects effectively and efficiently while producing high-quality deliverables;
  • Collaborate effectively with others;
  • Establish and adhere to deadlines;
  • Effectively manage multiple projects; and
  • Establish priorities with moderate supervision.

Work at the Environmental Law Institute is collaborative by nature, and the law fellow must be able to interact in a professional, inclusive manner with coworkers and external partners that have different perspectives and backgrounds.

ABOUT ELI

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an environmental law, science, and policy center that makes law work for people, places, and the planet. We envision a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law. Our mission is to foster innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress. ELI’s experts develop innovative legal and governance solutions to challenges in areas such as natural resource management; land conservation and smart growth; climate resiliency and the energy transition; environmental justice; biodiversity loss and habitat destruction; and air, water, and soil pollution. Together, ELI’s staff aims to:

• Build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders and institutions
• Research and analyze complex and pressing environmental challenges
• Promote and disseminate the best thinking through print and electronic media
• Work with partners to develop and implement laws, policies, and other means to protect the environment and society
• Convene people with diverse perspectives to build understanding through robust dialogue

For more information on ELI’s programs, visit https://www.eli.org/programs. 

COMPENSATION

The annual compensation for this position is $69,000. We also provide excellent benefits including:

• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer paid life insurance & disability insurance
• Pre-tax transportation benefit
• Wellness Incentive benefit
• Paid Time Off
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Account with employer match