The Environmental Justice Legal Fellowship is a one-year, time-limited position that may involve using a range of legal, policy, science, administrative advocacy, coalition-building, community outreach, and/or communications tools to work in collaboration with and provide support for environmental justice communities. The work will be focused on addressing disproportionate pollution burdens placed on low-income communities and communities of color. Examples of specific projects and areas of focus could include, but are not limited to, (1) improving air quality and public health outcomes for communities impacted by diesel pollution from the freight industry; (2) eliminating a rampant mold problem in the country’s largest public housing program; (3) advancing local land use and zoning policies that combat the concentration of environmental burdens in EJ communities; and/or (4) leveraging legal support, funding and other resources to communities struggling with flooding, sewage and drinking water issues due to failing water infrastructure. .
NRDC seeks applicants to pursue external fellowship funding to support a one-year position on the Environmental Justice team beginning in Fall 2020. NRDC will work with successful candidates to complete any paperwork necessary to help secure available funding. Preference will be given to candidates applying for fellowship funding that allows their work to be flexible and responsive to the needs of environmental justice partners. The fellowship could be based in Santa Monica, Chicago, or New York. The fellowship is open to candidates who are eligible for postgraduate funding and will have their J.D. by the time the fellowship begins.
Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental justice and the ability to contribute effectively as a member of a team. Specific responsibilities will include:
- Developing relationships with communities and working with them to identify opportunities to partner or collaborate, and engaging actively in existing coalitions and partnerships;
- Under supervision, screening and developing potential new litigation, including conducting factual investigations and legal and policy research;
- Providing legal, policy, and/or scientific research and strategic advice around environmental justice issues;
- Collaborating as part of a team of attorneys, policy advocates, and scientists to support NRDC’s environmental justice goals;
- Under supervision, representing NRDC at hearings, conferences, coalition meetings, and venues with decisionmakers, including some nights and weekends;
- Advocating for the adoption or passage of critical legislation, city ordinances, and government regulations;
- Supervising and delegating projects to interns and volunteers, when appropriate; and
- Other duties as assigned.
- Exceptional writing, research, and analytical skills
- Strong oral communication skills
- Experience effectively working on a team
- Creativity and resourcefulness
- Demonstrated commitment to public service, equity, social justice, and/or environmental justice
- Demonstrated ability to work with people across different social identities and backgrounds
- Record of academic and/or professional accomplishment
- Knowledge of environmental, civil rights, and administrative laws is a plus
- Proficiency in a second language is desirable
- Candidates with dual degrees in science or policy are encouraged to apply