Career Opportunities

Student Opportunities at Earthjustice

We are committed to providing undergraduate, graduate, and law students with meaningful opportunities that further our mission within a positive workplace environment.

Legal Extern (Spring 2023):

“I had a phenomenal experience at Earthjustice. I have nothing but gratitude for the kind and thoughtful attorneys who took the time to mentor and work with me.

“I hope Earthjustice continues to offer this opportunity to students in the future.”

Law Clerk (Summer 2024):

“In many ways, my clerkship exceeded expectations that I had going in.

“I was able to work on a wider variety of work than I initially expected, and the guidance I received from Earthjustice attorneys was extremely thorough and critical in the growth I experienced this summer.”

Law Clerk (Summer 2026):

“My substantive experience at EJ has been fantastic. I have learned about different areas of the law, have gained exposure to the intricacies of complex strategic litigation, and have completed meaningful assignments.”

Law Clerk (Summer 2026):

“My supervisor and team were very keen on looping me into projects that fit both my interest and goals for the summer.”

Undergraduate Intern (Summer 2026):

“This was truly an incredible experience.

“This is by far the most welcoming, supportive, and educating work experience I have ever had, and I have loved every minute of it!”

Law Students

Earthjustice hires law students for legal internships and externships during the fall and spring semesters and summer law clerkships.

Learn more

Undergraduate & Graduate Students

Earthjustice offers a variety of spring, summer, and fall opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students does Earthjustice hire each year? Are positions hybrid or remote? Find the answers to these and other questions.

Read FAQs

There are currently no open student opportunities.

We will next begin accepting applications:

For semester opportunities:

  • April for the coming fall (e.g., April 2026 for Fall 2026).
  • July for the coming spring (e.g., July 2026 for Spring 2027).
  • Generally, law student opportunities are posted together in one batch, and undergraduate and graduate student opportunities are posted together in a later batch.

For summer opportunities:

  • Law clerkships are posted in July for the next summer (e.g., July 2026 for Summer 2027).
  • Undergraduate and graduate student roles are posted in February for the coming summer (e.g., February 2027 for Summer 2027).

Sign up for job alerts to receive notifications as soon as new opportunities are posted and prepare to apply by familiarizing yourself with our student hiring process and tips for success.

For Law Students

Earthjustice hires law students as legal externs and interns each fall and spring and as law clerks each summer.

Hiring Process

Fall & Spring Semester Opportunities

Legal Externs

  • Legal externs are unpaid.
  • Must receive academic credit and/or fulfill a graduation or pro bono requirement for their work with us
  • May work part- or full-time hours and up to 16 weeks total
  • Details, such as hourly commitments and location requirements will be listed in each job posting.

Legal Interns

  • Legal interns are paid an hourly rate that is considered taxable income.
  • May work part- or full-time hours and up to 12 weeks total
  • Details, such as hourly commitments and location requirements will be listed in each job posting.

Hiring Timeline

April - May

Application Window for Fall Opportunities

July

Fall Opportunities Filled; Offer Letters Signed

July - August

Application Window for Spring Opportunities

October

Spring Opportunities Filled; Offer Letters Signed

Summer Opportunities

Law Clerks

  • Law clerks are paid a one-time stipend that is considered taxable income.
  • Earthjustice’s Summer Law Clerkship Program is designed to be 10 weeks long at full-time hours (37.5 hours/week).
  • The application window for law clerkships is July through Labor Day for the following summer.
Learn more: Law Clerk Program

What to Expect as a Law Student

You will be assigned meaningful tasks and projects that support our litigation teams’ impactful work.

  • Generally, law students will contribute legal research and writing related to cases and may have the opportunity to sit in on meetings with opposing counsel, observe court proceedings, participate in legal strategy meetings, strengthen relationships with community partners, and more.
  • All law students are supervised by licensed attorneys with whom you will have regular check-ins. We will also provide opportunities for you to connect with other students and Earthjustice staff.
  • Earthjustice offers a casual and congenial environment that centers our values of justice, partnership, inclusion, and excellence. We expect all those who work with us to act in accordance with our commitment to justice.

For Undergraduate & Graduate Students

Each fall, spring, and summer, Earthjustice hires undergraduate and graduate students to support various departments at Earthjustice.

The types of positions available differ each term based on the needs and capacity of Earthjustice teams.

Past positions for undergraduate and graduate students include conducting research as a Science Extern for our International Program, supporting our legislative work in D.C. as a Policy & Legislation Intern, getting the word out about Earthjustice’s impact as a Social Media Intern, and more.

Hiring Process

Types of Opportunities

Externs

  • Externs are unpaid.
  • Must receive academic credit and/or fulfill a graduation or pro bono requirement for their work with us
  • May work part- or full-time hours and up to 16 weeks total
  • Details, such as qualifying academic programs, hourly commitments, and location requirements will be listed in each job posting.

Interns

  • Interns are paid an hourly rate that is considered taxable income.
  • May work part- or full-time hours and up to 12 weeks total
  • Details, such as qualifying academic programs, hourly commitments, and location requirements will be listed in each job posting.

Hiring Timeline

Early February

Application Window for Summer Opportunities

Early-April

Summer Opportunities Filled; Offer Letters Signed

April-May

Application Window for Fall Opportunities

July

Fall Opportunities Filled; Offer Letters Signed

July-August

Application Window for Spring Opportunities

October

Spring Opportunities Filled; Offer Letters Signed

What to Expect as an Undergraduate or Graduate Student

You will be assigned meaningful tasks and projects that support the impactful work of your team. For example, Policy & Legislation Interns have drafted email blasts sent to congressional offices, and Marketing Interns have developed materials used during Earth Month. Job postings will detail what interns/externs can expect to work on and learn during the term.

  • Your supervisor will have regular check-ins to ensure you have what you need to complete your assignments well.
  • We will also provide opportunities for you to connect with other students and Earthjustice staff.
  • Earthjustice offers a casual and congenial environment that centers our values of justice, partnership, inclusion, and excellence. We expect all those who work with us to act in accordance with our commitment to justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer

As an equal opportunity employer, Earthjustice is committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal 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, genetic information, or any other factor specified under applicable laws that is not related to the position.

Fair Chance Hiring

Earthjustice will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, and any applicable local ordinance, such as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Act, or the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Initiative. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you.

After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Earthjustice is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Our Values

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, inclusion, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.

Our commitment to justice

Green 2.0 Pay Equity Pledge

As part of Green 2.0’s Transparency Report Card, Earthjustice is committed to ensuring pay equity for people of color.

Live Well, Work Well

Earthjustice offers a competitive compensation plan, as well as a comprehensive benefits package. We pay 100% of all health and welfare benefits premiums for the employee.

Our health coverage includes medical, dental, prescription, vision and alternative care. We are proud to offer a generous vacation, sick leave, and disability benefit package. Additional benefits include retirement plan, flexible spending account, company-sponsored life insurance, and more.

Earthjustice also offers six weeks of fully paid sabbatical leave, following 10 years of continuous employment.

As a 501(c)3 organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.