Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeHybrid
location_onEast Village, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, 50309, United States
About ELPC
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest's leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We use the power of the law and strategic advocacy campaigns to create climate change solutions, advance clean energy, protect public health, and preserve the Midwest's wild and natural places. Our staff is made up of extraordinary individuals who work together across states and disciplines to solve the most pressing environmental challenges of our times.
We are proud to be the recipient of the American Bar Association's 2023 Award for Excellence in Environmental, Energy, and Resources Stewardship. This prominent national award recognizes ELPC's significant accomplishments and demonstrated leadership on sustainable environmental and energy advocacy.
About the Fellowship
The ELPC-Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative is a one-year, full-time position with the potential for a further year's extension. This fellowship is in conjunction with the University of Iowa Hubbell Environmental Law Fellowship.
This fellowship is exclusively available to law school graduates of the University of Iowa, who graduated between 2022 to 2025, including judicial clerks, or early-career attorneys who are committed to advancing environmental protection, climate action, and equitable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
The position will be based at our office in Des Moines, with a hybrid work environment. The Fellow will work as a fully integrated member of ELPC's legal and policy team, gaining hands-on experience in environmental litigation, regulatory advocacy, and strategic policy initiatives. Fellows will work closely with senior attorneys, policy experts, and scientists on high-impact projects, with opportunities to lead discrete projects, appear in court or administrative proceedings (depending on jurisdiction), and engage in professional development activities supported by ELPC.
Application Instructions
Please submit the following materials:
- Cover letter addressed to Josh Mandelbaum, Sr. Attorney, explaining your interest in the fellowship and in ELPC's mission.
- Resume.
- Law school transcript (unofficial acceptable).
- Writing sample (preferably legal, 5–10 pages).
- Contact information for three references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to those received by April 1, 2026.
Work location
Work model: Hybrid
East Village, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, 50309, United States
Des Moines, Iowa
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleConduct legal and factual research to support litigation and advocacy
- check_circleDraft legal documents including briefs, motions, petitions, and comment letters
- check_circleEngage with clients, community partners, and coalitions
- check_circleSupport legislative and regulatory advocacy at federal, state, and local levels
- check_circleAnalyze emerging environmental and climate issues to identify legal strategies
- check_circleParticipate in strategic planning and communications to advance program goals
- check_circleAppear in court or administrative proceedings as permitted by jurisdiction
Requirements
- verifiedJ.D. degree earned Spring 2022 or later
- verifiedLicensed to practice law or expecting to sit for the bar
- verifiedGraduate of University of Iowa Law School (2022-2025)
- verifiedCommitment to environmental, climate, or public interest law
- verifiedExcellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
Nice to Have
Experience in litigation, administrative law, or environmental policy.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleHealth insurancecheck_circlePaid vacation and sick leavecheck_circleProfessional development support
Similar Job Opportunities
Frequently asked questions about Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship at Environmental Law & Policy Center
What does a Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship at Environmental Law & Policy Center do?expand_more
A Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship at Environmental Law & Policy Center is responsible for the following: Conduct legal and factual research to support litigation and advocacy; Draft legal documents including briefs, motions, petitions, and comment letters; Engage with clients, community partners, and coalitions; and Support legislative and regulatory advocacy at federal, state, and local levels.
What are the requirements for this Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship role?expand_more
Environmental Law & Policy Center is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: J.D. degree earned Spring 2022 or later; Licensed to practice law or expecting to sit for the bar; Graduate of University of Iowa Law School (2022-2025); Commitment to environmental, climate, or public interest law; and Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Where is the Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship role at Environmental Law & Policy Center located?expand_more
Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship at Environmental Law & Policy Center is based in East Village, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, 50309, United States. This is a hybrid role.
Is this Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Environmental Law & Policy Center has listed this Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship role as hybrid.
How much experience is required for this Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship role?expand_more
Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship at Environmental Law & Policy Center typically requires 1–4 years of relevant experience at the intern level.
What skills do you need for the Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship role at Environmental Law & Policy Center?expand_more
Key skills for Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship at Environmental Law & Policy Center include Legal Research; Writing; Oral Advocacy; Litigation; Administrative Law; and Environmental Policy.
What category does the Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship role belong to?expand_more
Associate Attorney/Law Fellowship at Environmental Law & Policy Center is part of the legal job category on Recrutus.