LewisAndClark

GLA Legal Fellow

Law Campus Full time

Attention Current Lewis & Clark College Employees:  In order to apply for posted positions, please apply internally in Workday in the Jobs Hub.

Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

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.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • General office environment

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer

  • Communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person

  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

In the 'My Experience' section of the application, please upload your resume/CV and cover letter, along with the following additional materials:

  • a transcript (official or unofficial)

  • a list of three references

  • and a writing sample

Applications missing any of these materials will be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed. The application deadline is March 15th

Directions for Cover Letter

Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission.  We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws.  The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies.  Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance). 

Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. 

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.