Environmental Law Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description
The University of Chicago Law School is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time position training and supervising law students as a Clinical Teaching Fellow, appointed with the rank of Lecturer, in the Law School's Abrams Environmental Law Clinic. The one-year appointment is expected to begin July 1, 2026; reappointment for a second term may be possible. This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Representing environmental organizations and affected persons, the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic teaches law students about the practice of law through suing those who pollute illegally, fighting for stricter permits, advocating for changes to regulations, laws, and policies and promoting innovative approaches for improving the environment. In addition, the clinic's faculty are some of the primary resources for law student organizations and law students interested in environmental, energy, and climate issues. The Clinic's faculty have helped organize panels, events, and conferences on these topics. More information about the clinic can be found at the clinic's webpage, https://www.law.uchicago.edu/clinics/environmental, and at https://www.law.uchicago.edu/news/abrams-environmental-law-clinic-significant-achievements-2024-25. Clinical faculty engage regularly with others on campus who work on these issues, such as those affiliated with the University's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth.
Under the supervision of the Clinic's Director, the successful candidate will help to train and supervise students in all aspects of their clinic work, co-teach the clinic's seminar component, develop potential projects, assist in publicizing the clinic's cases and activities, and organize and coordinate relevant events, lectures, and other clinic activities.
This Fellowship is an ideal position for those seeking to gain experience and training before pursuing a career in clinical teaching or in a public interest environmental law practice. Past Clinical Fellows have successfully transitioned to meaningful careers in permanent clinical faculty positions at top law schools and as attorneys at some of the country's premier environmental law non-profits.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a J.D. and at least two years of work experience as a practicing lawyer, must be a member in good standing of at least one bar, and must be able to secure admission to the Illinois bar through waiver or examination promptly upon joining the clinic. Excellent writing, editing, advocacy, and supervision skills are required. Additionally, it is desirable that candidates have one or more of the following:
-Experience working for an environmental non-profit organization or government agency using litigation and similar enforcement tools;
-Experience clerking at the trial court level; and
-Prior teaching experience
Application Instructions
Candidates are required to submit the following application materials:
-A cover letter that includes a detailed description of the candidate's relevant practice experience and teaching/supervision experience;
-A resume or curriculum vita;
-A law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable for application purposes);
-A list of two to three professional references;
-Course evaluations from prior teaching experience, if any; and
-A legal writing sample (including a short cover page that describes the nature of the project, when and in what capacity it was written, and the extent of any outside editing).
Other materials relevant to a candidate's qualifications and interest in the position may be included. Candidates are required to apply online and upload all application material at the University of Chicago Academic website: http://apply.interfolio.com/180571
Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2026, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first. Questions about the position may be directed to Mark Templeton, Clinic Director, at templeton@uchicago.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.