Animal Legal Defense Fund

Criminal Justice Program Clerkship

Animal Legal Defense Fund

internship

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Origin:  • 🇺🇸 United States

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Salary

💰 $20 per hour

Job Level

Mid-LevelSenior

About the role

  • Participate in the Animal Legal Defense Fund summer clerkship program and receive training from top experts in animal law.
  • Complete legal and factual research and prepare a variety of written work products.
  • Assist Animal Legal Defense Fund attorneys in responding to crimes against animals and in broadening animal law to secure just outcomes for animal victims.
  • Prepare motions and legal memos responsive to immediate cases.
  • Develop longer-term resources such as resource guides, position statements, and model laws to create systemic improvement.
  • Work as an integral member of a program team, network across the organization with staff and other clerks, and engage in the organization’s mission and goals.
  • Report to Senior Staff Attorneys and Managing Attorneys.
  • Support the Criminal Justice Program’s work: investigatory and trial-level assistance, producing amicus curiae briefs, supporting legislative efforts, educating criminal justice practitioners, and crafting legal arguments for jurisprudential change.
  • Commit to 35 hours/week for 10 weeks in summer 2026, starting end of May or beginning of June.

Requirements

  • Experience as a current 2L (or part-time program equivalent) or LLM student at an ABA accredited law school.
  • Eligibility to work in the United States.
  • A sincere interest in animal protection.
  • Superior legal research and writing skills, including the ability to tailor voice and style to various audiences.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A positive attitude and ability to work cooperatively with others and function well in a mission-driven, team-oriented work environment.
  • A willingness to accept a variety of assignments within the expanding field of animal law.
  • Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
  • An ability to work independently and remotely.
  • An ability to use discretion, keeping in mind the confidential and emotional aspects of our work.
  • Access to a computer with internet and Microsoft Suite.
  • Familiarity with animal law, criminal law, or both is preferred.
  • Required application documents: resume, cover letter, list of 2-3 professional references, law school transcript (unofficial okay), and original writing sample.
  • Clerks will be required to provide a personal United States address and to work primarily from that address.