Clinical Law Clerks and Summer Advocates

MEA runs two distinct programs for law students, our Summer Advocate Program and our Semester Clinical Law Clerk Program with the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Law Clerks and Summer Advocates develop valuable skills in client interviewing, legal research and writing, and community organizing.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and five page writing sample to Florence Edwards by email or to:

Midwest Environmental Advocates
551 West Main St. Suite 200
Madison, WI 53703

Currently we do not have positions available for undergraduate students however we strongly encourage individuals interested in environmental law to pursue internships with other environmental organizations in Wisconsin, many of whom work closely with MEA.

Summer Advocate Program

Law students from around the country work as Summer Advocates from May until August. Summer Advocates work full time for 10-12 weeks. The position is paid, but students are encouraged to seek grants to supplement or enhance their funding. The application deadline for Summer Advocate 2008 positions has been extended to January 11th, 2008. Interested students are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible .

Summer Advocates work closely with MEA attorneys on case development and litigation. Students may draft pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents; conduct legal research and prepare memoranda; develop strategy and legal theories; gather evidence; and attend meetings with clients, conferences with opposing counsel, and any court proceedings. Summer Advocates will also have the opportunity to conduct intakes of potential clients, interact with attorneys and other experts in MEA’s Advocacy Network, and attend press conferences and government meetings.

Students from The University of Wisconsin Law School are encouraged to apply for the Semester Clinical Program (below).

Learn More about applying for the Summer Advocate Program.

MEA Clinical Program with the University of Wisconsin Law School

Midwest Environmental Advocates offers a unique experience for University of Wisconsin law students to get an in-depth look at all aspects of environmental law practice and nonprofit legal work. Students work as law clerk's in MEA's Madison office for for a semester, participating in all aspects of MEA's legal work. Also, students attend weekly seminars on a verity of topics in environmental law and legal practice taught by MEA staff and outside experts. MEA's Clinical Program takes place during the Fall and Spring semesters, every year.

Taken in place of regular classes, students are awarded seven credits on a pass/fail basis for the semester. Based on the standard university requirement for internship hours, students work 315 hours during the semester, including the seminars and special events. Seminars are analogous to law school seminars and usually include readings.

MEA accepts applications and conducts interviews for both semesters of our Clinical Program in conjunction with UW Law School's Public Interest Job Fair.

For more information or questions about our program please contact Florence Edwards.

Learn more about MEA's Clinical Program.