Legal Fellow

The Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF) protects the scientific endeavor by putting its legal expertise to work for scientists who are threatened or silenced due to their findings or fields of study. Our work preserves and expands scientists’ rights and strengthens the legal protections that promote scientific integrity.

The Fellow will take on a number of important responsibilities, particularly research and writing.

This is a one-year position with an anticipated start date in September 2026, with a possibility of a second year.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The key role will involve working with Staff Attorneys and the Executive Director in conducting detailed research and drafting comprehensive educational content for scientists and lawyers, with an anticipated focus on First Amendment issues and open records laws.

The role may also include:

• Working with Staff Attorneys to present webinars and educational events for scientists and others.
• Working with Staff Attorneys and the Executive Director in drafting pieces of legal writing such as regulatory comments, responses to open records requests, and whistleblower complaints.
• Researching and developing legal strategies to defend scientists and scientific endeavors.

SKILLS & CREDENTIALS:

• J.D. degree from accredited U.S. law school. (Equivalent such as L.L.M. degree may also be considered.)
• 0-3 years post-law school legal experience, with demonstrated interest in environmental and/or scientific issues. Professional or educational experience with First Amendment issues, open records laws, administrative law, employment law, and/or working with expert witnesses is a plus.
• Strong verbal, writing, analytical, and organizational skills; ability to meet deadlines; work well individually and in partnership environment.

We are based in New York City with an office near Columbia University in historic Morningside Heights. This position can be either remote or hybrid.

You can expect to be part of a team that will support you to learn and gain insights into the front lines of defending climate scientists.

Benefits include generous paid time off and flexible pre-tax benefits (including 401(k) plan). Paid health, dental, and life insurance benefits also provided.

Fluency in English