GLA Legal Fellow

Job Details

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Global Law Alliance Fellow within the Global Law Alliance for Animals and the Environment (GLA) reports directly to the Director and Clinical Professor. This role is primarily responsible for assisting in project and case lawyering, evaluating and managing incoming projects, and participating in the classroom component of the clinic. The ideal candidate will possess a JD or doctoral degree with a focus or interest in Environmental, Animal, and/or International Law, along with strong research, writing, and communication skills. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at collaborating with clients and partners, engaging in clinic decision-making, and actively participating in outreach efforts.

This is a one-year position, with the possibility of renewal dependent on funding. The position will start in August 2026.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Project and Case Lawyering

• Represent clients and partners by providing legal advice, researching applicable laws, and drafting legal documents.
• Evaluate incoming projects for alignment with clinic goals and feasibility.
• Manage active projects, ensuring timely progression and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Clinic Participation

• Lead discussions related to fellow’s projects in the clinic classroom, providing insights and guidance.
• Collaborate with students, faculty, and community partners on case strategies and legal approaches.
• Contribute to the clinic syllabus and class materials based on practical experience.

Client and Partner Engagement

• Coordinate the intake process for clients and community partners, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of needs and objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, offering consistent communication and legal support.
• Manage client/partner expectations and provide strategic legal guidance to address their concerns.

Outreach and Community Engagement

• Organize and participate in community outreach efforts, fostering relationships with relevant organizations and stakeholders.
• Represent the clinic at public events, conferences, or community meetings as needed.
• Assist in promoting the clinic’s mission and work through various channels, including presentations and publications.

Administrative and Collaborative Support

• Support the Director and Clinical Professor in day-to-day operations and decision-making within the clinic.
• Collaborate with clinic staff and faculty to continuously assess and improve clinic programs.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, case developments, and clinic activities.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Proficient understanding of Environmental, Animal, and International Law, including relevant legal precedents and regulations.
• Knowledge of legal research methodologies, case law, and regulatory frameworks applicable to public interest law.
• Superior research, writing, and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex legal concepts.
• Extremely strong legal drafting skills, including the ability to draft contracts, memos, and legal briefs.
• Proficient in using legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace for document creation and management.
• Excellent ability to analyze legal issues and apply practical, real-world solutions to client and clinic projects.
• Superior ability to manage multiple legal projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and work quality remains high.
• Extremely strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, students, faculty, and community partners.
• Excellent commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace by fostering a respectful and collaborative environment for all team members.
• Proficient in adapting to a fast-paced, changing work environment, while maintaining a high level of professionalism and integrity.
• Superior ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to achieve clinic objectives.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Doctoral/JD degree with a focus or interest in Environmental, Animal, and/or International Law.
• Licensed to practice in Oregon within one year of hire.
• Minimum of 1 year of legal experience, including internships or fellowships related to public interest law, environmental law, animal law, or international law.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Experience working in public interest law or with non-profit organizations focused on environmental or wildlife policy issues.
• Certification or additional training in specialized legal fields (e.g., environmental law certificate).

WORK SCHEDULE

Full time, 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility for travel and off-hours commitments as needed.

PAY RATE

FLSA Status: Exempt
$59,000 annually, with benefits eligibility.