Position Description

2010-2011 Public Interest Environmental Law Fellowship

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) announces its annual fellowship position for an outstanding recent law school graduate.

Since 1969, ELI has fostered the creation of intellectual and human capital in the fields of environmental law and policy. We bring a non-partisan, independent approach to contemporary environmental problems. The Institute addresses issues of pollution and natural resource law and policy at all levels of government. Our unparalleled research and respected publications inform public debate, and our training activities for NGOs, citizens, industry, and government officials strengthen the institutions needed to ensure environmental protection. To accomplish our goals, ELI partners with organizations across the United States and around the world.

The Position: The law fellowship program is a longstanding, integral component of ELI’s Research and Policy Division. The law fellow works closely with attorneys and other professionals to advance environmental protection by analyzing existing legal tools, developing new ones, and helping to craft innovative approaches to implementation. We also study how the environment is affected by non-environmental laws and policies—e.g., those governing taxation, energy, and land use. The Public Interest Environmental Law Fellow will immediately receive significant responsibility. Assignments will include legal research and writing tasks across the spectrum of ELI’s project areas, and the law fellow may be asked to make public presentations and assist in facilitating training activities.

Qualifications: The fellowship hiring process is rigorous and highly competitive. Applicants must have a top academic record and possess superior legal research and writing skills. Law review experience is preferred. ELI’s Public Interest Environmental Law Fellowship will be awarded to a candidate graduating from law school in 2010, or who has graduated recently (current judicial law clerks are invited to apply). The one-year position will begin in late summer/early fall of 2010.

Salary: Approximately $35,000, with excellent benefits.

To Apply: A complete application package will include: (1) a cover letter; (2) a current resume; (3) a completed ELI “Application for Employment”; (4) a law school transcript; (5) a list of three references; and (6) a writing sample of approximately 10 (but no more than 15) pages. No phone calls, please. Application packages must be received by ELI no later than 5:00 pm ET on Friday, December 4, 2009—via email to law@eli.org (subject line: Law Fellow: #070109), or via U.S. mail to:

Director, Law Fellowship Program (Law Fellow: #070109)
Environmental Law Institute
2000 L Street, NW, Suite 620
Washington, DC 20036

The Environmental Law Institute is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and to achieving an inclusive, diverse workplace that values every individual. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.