Summer Advocates 2009

Midwest Environmental Advocates seeks Summer Advocates for the summer of 2009.

NEW: Applications are being accepted now through December 12, 2008.

Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA) is the first and only nonprofit environmental law center in Wisconsin. MEA provides legal and technical support to grassroots groups that are working for environmental justice in the Western Great Lakes region.

MEA’s mission is to provide high quality legal services that support a diverse, grassroots social movement; build local leadership; and implement innovative solutions to environmental problems. Our campaigns include fighting factory farm pollution, reducing toxic emissions, protecting sacred places, and ensuring government accountability.

Summer Advocates work closely with MEA attorneys on case development and litigation. This may include drafting pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents; conducting legal research and prepare memoranda; developing strategy and legal theories; gathering evidence; and attending 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.

Requirements: Applicants must have completed their first year of law school. Commitment to protecting the environment, demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, and sense of humor are required. MS in Environmental Science is preferred.

Compensation: Summer Advocates are full-time, temporary employees. Compensation is dependent on Summer Advocate’s ability to obtain grants from the student’s institution or external organizations. MEA will participate in matching grants and work-study programs. Our Summer Advocates have received between $3,000 – 6,000 for ten weeks of work, depending on funding.

Application requirements: Interested students are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible. The cut off date for applications is December 12, 2008. Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (five pages max.) by email or US mail to:

Florence A. Edwards Miller
Executive Assistant
Midwest Environmental Advocates, Inc.
551 West Main Street, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53703

MEA is an equal opportunity employer.
We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.

Applicants will be contacted in December of 2008.