Law Clerk - Hourly Contract

The New Mexico Environmental Law Center’s (NMELC) mission is to work with frontline communities to protect our air, land, and water in the fight for environmental justice through legal services, policy development, advocacy, and public education. NMELC is a nonprofit public interest law center that provides free and low\-cost legal services on environmental matters across the state.

We are seeking applications for a Law Clerk dedicated to NMELC’s mission of working with communities to advance environmental justice and human rights. We work in partnership with community organizations, coalitions and other stakeholders to disrupt the systemic polluting of low\-income communities of color and help to advance community health and sustainability.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 22, 2026

Job Title: Law Clerk Hourly Rate: $23 to $27 per hour (DOE)

Start Date: June 2026 Reports to: Executive Director \& Legal Staff

JOB SUMMARY:

As a Law Clerk, you will work directly with NMELC’s Legal team to provide support on legal, policy, and other case\-related matters. Your work and research will primarily focus on environmental justice matters related to uranium mining reclamation, data center development, air quality issues, water rights transfers, public and environmental health impacts, among others.

JOB LOCATION: Albuquerque/Santa Fe, New Mexico

NMELC follows a hybrid work plan (in office and remote). Applicants must live in or be in the process of relocating to New Mexico.

COMPENSATION: This is an hourly contract position. NMELC is willing to work with current law students in figuring out a part\-time schedule during the academic year and a full\-time schedule in the summer as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working under the supervision of our legal team, the law clerk will provide direct support focused on our most active cases
• Support with case and policy research as needed and directed by legal team
• Support with legal writing \- e.g. briefs, filings, analyses, responses, etc.
• As needed and directed, attend and participate in staff, legal, and client meetings
• As needed and directed, attend community meetings and/or meetings with stakeholders, government agencies, etc.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must embrace NMELC’s mission and be dedicated to working alongside clients and communities on defending and advancing environmental justice issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to movement lawyering and education/experience in environmental issues, environmental justice, and racial/social justice
• Knowledge of and commitment to the importance and integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and practices, including commitment to equity and justice in litigation and policy.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytic skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of environmental law, environmental justice, civil rights law, and social justice issues.
• Bilingual (especially Spanish and/or Indigenous Languages).
• Experience working with LGBTQ\+, frontline, colonias, rural, and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
• Familiar with and committed to the Jemez Principles of Democratic Organizing and the EJ Principles
• Experience working in coalitions of community\-based and advocacy organizations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Completed or currently enrolled at an accredited law school as a 2L, 3L either part\-time or full\-time.
• Have completed an undergraduate degree \- B.A. or B.S. or equivalent.
• Environmental justice/social justice education, background, and/or experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds at a time. Periodic ability to travel long distances, and participate in events outside regular work hours.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 22, 2026

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, two writing samples, and three references electronically to Dr. Virginia Necochea, Executive Director at vnecochea@nmelc.org. All required documents must be submitted electronically. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Interviews may be conducted via online video conference.

NMELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non\-merit factor. Persons of color, women, LGBTQIA\+, and candidates from historically underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.

Pay: $23\.00 \- $27\.00 per hour

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Location:

• Albuquerque, NM 87102 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Albuquerque, NM 87102