Career Development Office Blog

Animal Legal Defense Fund Summer 2016 ALDF Criminal Justice Program Legal Clerkship

By Career Development Office on October 22nd, 2015

When: The clerkships are full-time, during summer 2016, for a period of 3 months (approximately 12 weeks) with a flexible starting date (dependent upon the student’s schedule). 

Location: ALDF’s Portland, Oregon office.

Responsibilities: The clerks will be closely supervised and trained by top experts in animal law. Clerks will learn how to review cruelty reports, communicate with law enforcement officers, animal welfare investigators and prosecutors, assist in the development of proposed legislation, research a wide range of legal issues, and help draft pleadings and research memoranda. The successful applicant must have a sincere interest in animal protection and be willing to accept a variety of assignments within the expanding field of animal law. The primary focus of this clerkship is on criminal cases involving animal cruelty, but there will exposure to civil animal law issues as well.

Stipend: This is an unpaid clerkship. There is a monthly stipend of $2,400 (the total stipend is $7,200.) This is to assist you in paying for reasonable expenses, including room and board, gas, travel, and other expenses.

Eligibility: Summer clerkships are open to second-year students only (rising third year students).

Application Deadline: December 1, 2015.

How to Apply: Students must apply for either the Criminal Justice Program Clerkship OR the Litigation Program Clerkship; applications submitted to both programs will not be considered. Law students interested in applying should forward an application form, cover letter, resume (including 2-3 professional references), original writing sample, and transcript (unofficial is okay) via email.

One of these summer clerkships is a David Reuben Clerkship that is generously sponsored by David Reuben.