Intern, Law Clerk - Summer 2025

$31.80 per hour

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, is seeking four (4) full time Law Clerks for the Animal Protection Law department. As a Law Clerk you will be provided a superior educational for 2L and 3L law students in the field of Animal Law. 

The clerkship is for approximately 12 weeks beginning in June working 35 hours per week. If selected you must commit to 10 weeks.

You will be responsible for:
• Working closely with the attorneys in the Animal Protection Law section;
• Being integrally involved in the process of researching, preparing, and prosecuting animal protection lawsuits in state and federal court and rulemaking petitions and comments before administrative agencies, as well as preparing and reviewing federal, state and local legislation;
• Providing research and drafting support for one or more of our four core legal groups: Farm Animals, Companion Animals, Wildlife & Animal Research, and Legislative Drafting & Review;
• Attending weekly departmental reporting and planning meetings and other meetings as relevant.

     Learning Opportunities:

• Gain valuable exposure to a wide variety of animal protection cases in state and federal courts throughout the country
• Delve heavily into legal research and writing
• Have the opportunity to use skills to address real-world issues in litigation before federal and state courts and rulemakings of administrative agencies, including actions to protect companion animals, wildlife, farm animals, and animals used in research
• Work with legislative attorneys on drafting and review of federal, state and local legislation to protect animals
• Opportunity to work with and assist some of the nation’s leading animal and environmental protection lawyers as they advance these actions, and find new and creative ways to ensure that all animals receive the legal protections they deserve
• Strengthen effective communication and critical thinking skills
• Develop organizational and time management skills such as how to prioritize assignments and multi-task
• Learn about the organization’s major positions, campaigns, programs, and missions

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must be a 2L or 3L law student working toward a Juris Doctor degree;
• Must be able to learn and follow guidelines and policies of the Humane Society of the United States and APL, and follow directions given by staff;
• Must submit the required paperwork and pass a background check before being assigned;
• Must have a strong interest in animal protection issues, litigation, and legal research;
• Superior oral communication skills, as well as exceptional legal research, writing and critical thinking skills;
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy;
• Able to take initiative and manage multiple projects and priorities while demonstrating a strong work ethic; 
• Demonstrate flexibility and an eagerness to learn and take initiative on a variety of projects;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel) and the Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis legal research databases, and strong familiarity with the Internet and online research tools;
• Able to use discretion, keeping in mind the confidential nature of most aspects of the work;
• Able to maintain professionalism in attitude and appearance;
• Possess problem-solving capability and ability to think creatively, in a solution-oriented way;
•  Able to work well independently and use good judgment;
•  Coursework or other experience in animal protection, administrative, or environmental law is preferred.

This internship is remote.

When applying, please submit your cover letter and resume together as one document.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE
iiii