2026 Summer Law Clerk

ABOUT US: The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (“MCEA”) uses law and science to protect Minnesota’s environment, natural resources, and the health of its people. For 50 years, we’ve worked in the courts, at the legislature, and with public agencies to enact, strengthen, and enforce smart environmental law. As a trusted source for information about environmental issues, we facilitate public engagement and help shape policy. We work in solidarity with communities to protect the environment, especially where people are disproportionately impacted by pollution and social inequities. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit advocacy organization, with an in-house team that includes some of Minnesota’s foremost environmental law, policy, and subject-matter experts. Our expertise is a key part of the work needed to build a better future for all Minnesotans. At MCEA, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and strive to create a workplace culture, policy and practice that reflects these values. We respect the individual strengths, views, and experiences of all employees and understand that we thrive in our differences. PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Summer Law Clerk will provide research, writing, and litigation support to MCEA’s legal department during the Summer 2026. This is a temporary position for students currently enrolled in an accredited law school. MCEA utilizes a 36-hour workweek with a hybrid work environment. Our main office is in St. Paul, Minnesota. This is an 11-week paid position with flexible starting and ending dates, which pays $8,400 for the summer. MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: 1. Research legal issues identified by MCEA’s legal team and write memoranda providing legal analysis and summarizing findings within specified deadlines. 2. Provide support for MCEA’s litigation efforts, including document review, contact with administrative agencies, drafting pleadings, and other litigation needs, as appropriate. 3. Work with MCEA attorneys to serve MCEA’s legal needs, including analyzing potential cases, research and development of legal strategies, litigation, and day to day legal advice. 4. Attend client meetings and administrative hearings as appropriate and participate in internal MCEA meetings. OTHER PERFORMANCE CRITERIA: 1. Excellent research and writing abilities. 2. Ability to form good working relationships with MCEA staff, other clients, partners, and affected communities. 3. Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations. 4. Clear, logical, and focused analysis and synthesis of issues. 5. Positive contribution to the creation of a diverse, equitable, inclusive, team-orientated work environment that celebrates differences. 6. Creativity in addressing legal and policy problems and the ability to be reflective in assessing one’s own performance and growth. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Current enrollment in an accredited law school and completion of at least one academic year. 2. Excellent writing and analytical skills. 3. Commitment to public interest environmental advocacy and environmental justice. 4. Commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace and culture that values differences. Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and transcript via email to [email protected]. The deadline to submit application materials is January 30, 2026. MCEA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to ensure equal employment practices to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor that is not related to the position. Apply tot his job