FELLOWSHIP DESCRIPTION
The Environmental Advocacy Clinic (EAC) is pleased to invite eligible candidates to apply for a two-year clinic fellow position from June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2018. The fellowship combines the opportunity to obtain an LLM degree in Environmental Law from one of the leading environmental law programs in the nation with the opportunity to work with experienced environmental attorneys and students in a clinic focused on public interest cases. The fellowship includes a full tuition waiver and a stipend of approximately $35,000 to cover living expenses.
In addition to pursuing the LLM, the Clinic Fellow is expected to work at least 20 hours per week in the EAC. The Fellow will serve as a part-time staff attorney, with significant responsibility for one or more EAC cases or projects. The Clinic Fellow will work closely with the EAC Director and other faculty and staff to represent clients and supervise student clinicians.
All fellowship materials should be sent to admiss@vermontlaw.edu and must include a clear reference to the fellowship. Electronic submissions are preferred. If unable to send electronically, please send materials to:
Vermont Law School Admissions Office
ENRLC Fellowship
PO Box 96
South Royalton, VT 05068
Fellowship requirements
- JD from an ABA accredited law school
- Excellent legal analysis and writing, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Commitment to teaching in a clinical setting and fostering students' professional development
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental protection and public interest law through prior employment, volunteer work, internships or clinical experience is preferred
- Admission to the LLM in Environmental Law program at Vermont Law School (application for LLM admission can occur concurrently with application for Clinic Fellow position and the same references can be used for both applications)
- Willingness to travel regionally and work with clients at night and on weekends
- A license to practice law is desired. Upon being selected, any successful candidate not already admitted will be expected to seek admission to the Vermont Bar. Information about attorney licensing in Vermont can be found at: https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/LC/attylicensing.aspx.
HOW TO APPLY
All candidates must submit an application for the LLM in Environmental Law. Vermont Law School prefers applicants to apply through the Law School Admission Council. Candidates may also apply directly to Vermont Law School through the online application.
In addition to the LLM application requirements please submit the following:
- Cover letter describing applicant’s interest in the position and relevant experience
- Additional writing sample
- At least three references
FELLOWSHIP DEADLINE
The deadline for completed LLM applications and submission of fellowship materials is January 15, 2016.
Decision process
Fellowship candidates will be forwarded to the EAC shortly after the deadline. Fellowship offers will be made by February 15. Finalists will be expected to respond within three business days. The fellowship term begins on June 1.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY CLINIC
The EAC’s cases advance our environmental laws while developing the next generation of environmental leaders and advocates. Our advocacy addresses matters of national, regional, and local significance, such as protecting Canada Lynx in Maine, requiring the labeling of foods produced with genetic engineering, challenging a proposed incinerator in Puerto Rico, providing legal counsel to citizen groups concerned about pollution in their communities in New England, and opposing coal mining and exportation in Montana. The mission of the EAC includes (1) ensuring that the laws protecting our health and environment are properly interpreted, implemented, and enforced, (2) providing a high quality, skills-based educational experience for our students, and (3) providing pro bono representation to clients who otherwise would not have access to legal services.
For more information about the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic, please visit: www.vermontlaw.edu/eac.
LLM IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
The LLM in Environmental Law is designed for specialization in environmental law, leading to careers in practice, teaching, research, or public policy. A minimum of 30 academic credits are required to complete the program. For the EAC Clinic Fellow, this 30-credit program is spread over two years. Vermont Law School’s environmental law curriculum includes more than sixty courses in environmental law, policy, science, and ethics. The Clinic Fellow may also choose to participate in a teaching practicum for LLM credit.
For more information about the LLM program, please visit: http://www.vermontlaw.edu/academics/degrees/llm.
