Summer 2026 Internships

Job Title / Location: Summer Law Clerk / Helena, Montana or Portland, Oregon
Time of Work: Full-time; 1.0 FTE (max 40 hours per week)
Classifications: Temporary; Non-Exempt; Hourly
Employment Term: May 2026 to August 2026 with start/end dates agreed upon following offer acceptance 

The Western Environmental Law Center (WELC) is a leading nonprofit public interest environmental law firm with a 30-year legacy of success using the power of the law to safeguard the public lands, wildlife, and communities of the western U.S. in the face of a changing climate. We envision a thriving West, abundant with protected and interconnected ecosystems, powered by renewable energy, and cared for by communities brought together in an ecology of kinship. We achieve this vision with steady, strategic, and bold legal advocacy that turns the wheels of power at all levels of government. 

We are accepting applications from law students currently in their second year of law school (2L) or in an LLM program for summer 2026 law clerk positions in these WELC office locations: Helena, Montana and Portland, Oregon. We are looking for bright and motivated individuals committed to public interest environmental law and WELC’s mission and advocacy. These are temporary, full-time, non-exempt, hourly positions with a compensation rate of $25.00 per hour. Benefits are not included. These temporary positions will begin May 2026 and last for a period of 10 weeks at 40 hours per week.

Under the supervision of a staff attorney in the office in which they are hired, the selected summer law clerks will work with WELC attorneys in all aspects of case development. This work may include developing litigation strategies; conducting legal research; attending client meetings and court appearances; and drafting pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents. We prefer that the summer law clerk work in-person at the office location for which they are hired for at least a portion of the 10-week clerkship but will also consider applicants interested in remote participation. For in-person participation, WELC will provide a housing stipend of up to $200 per month to offset the expense of temporary housing as well as a travel expense reimbursement for the cost of a plane ticket or for up to $500 per direction if driving.  

Essential Skills and Qualifications: 

• Completion of two years of law school at commencement of internship, or an LLM student; 

• Outstanding research and writing skills; 

• A demonstrated interest in public interest environmental law; 

• Law school coursework or experience in administrative law and environmental law strongly preferred. 

We strongly encourage people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates to apply. Lived experience is of equal importance as the above-listed qualifications. To apply, please email the following in a single PDF attachment gro.w1758012240alnre1758012240tsew@1758012240spihs1758012240nretn1758012240i ot1758012240: 

1. Cover letter;  
2. Résumé;  
3. Unofficial transcript;  
4. Short writing sample of 3-5 pages; and  
5. A list of three references. 

Please indicate the following in your cover letter:

1. The WELC office location to which you are applying (if you wish to apply for both locations, please specify your order of preference);  
2. Your anticipated dates of availability for the summer position; and  
3. Whether you would be interested in an in-person, remote, or hybrid experience. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions have been filled. Applications received by September 22, 2025 will be given first consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews will be conducted by phone or video conference. 

If you require reasonable accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to complete the application, interview, or another portion of the selection process, please contact Kelly Scoble at gro.w1758012240alnre1758012240tsew@1758012240elboc1758012240s1758012240.

WELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our programs and employment are open to all. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against applicants, employees, or volunteers on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, genetic information, or disability, or any other status protected by applicable law or statute in any of our policies or programs.