What are the responsibilities and job description for the Parenteau Climate Action Fellow position at Vermont Law School?
Parenteau Climate Action Fellow
Environmental Law Center / Environmental Advocacy Clinic
Full-time, exempt
Reports to: Director, ELC
VLGS Benefits and PTO include:
- Full benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
- 403b including 4% employer contribution.
- 2 weeks of paid vacation in addition to paid personal and sick days.
- 11 paid holidays plus two weeks of paid "Dean's Days" for Summer and Winter breaks.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- VLGS course participation with tuition assistance.
- Flexible schedule potential.
The Vermont Law and Graduate School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We grow and learn better together with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students. In recruiting for faculty and staff, we seek unique backgrounds to enrich and challenge our community.
Position Summary:
The Vermont Law & Graduate School's Environmental Law Center and Environmental Advocacy Clinic invite applications from recent or upcoming law graduates to serve as a one-year climate action fellow to begin in August 2025, with presumed renewal for one additional year. The position combines an opportunity to conduct academic, legal, and/or policy research on climate law with responsibilities to work with student clinicians in the Environmental Advocacy Clinic on cutting-edge climate litigation and advocacy.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Required Education, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate will be available to start in time for the Fall 2025 semester. The candidate must have graduated with a J.D. degree with 0-5 years of practice experience. Strong academic qualifications and a demonstrated interest in climate law, climate justice, and/or environmental, natural resources or energy law and policy, will be expected. Candidates should also have a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and an understanding of and appreciation for inclusive teaching practices.
Other Requirements:
Environmental Law Center / Environmental Advocacy Clinic
Full-time, exempt
Reports to: Director, ELC
VLGS Benefits and PTO include:
- Full benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
- 403b including 4% employer contribution.
- 2 weeks of paid vacation in addition to paid personal and sick days.
- 11 paid holidays plus two weeks of paid "Dean's Days" for Summer and Winter breaks.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- VLGS course participation with tuition assistance.
- Flexible schedule potential.
The Vermont Law and Graduate School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We grow and learn better together with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students. In recruiting for faculty and staff, we seek unique backgrounds to enrich and challenge our community.
Position Summary:
The Vermont Law & Graduate School's Environmental Law Center and Environmental Advocacy Clinic invite applications from recent or upcoming law graduates to serve as a one-year climate action fellow to begin in August 2025, with presumed renewal for one additional year. The position combines an opportunity to conduct academic, legal, and/or policy research on climate law with responsibilities to work with student clinicians in the Environmental Advocacy Clinic on cutting-edge climate litigation and advocacy.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Research and publish white papers, articles, and other materials on topics related to climate change law, in disciplinary areas of the fellow's choice, with relevant guidance from VLGS environmental faculty, including on behalf of the ELC.
- Contribute to climate-related cases and projects within the Environmental Advocacy Clinic, with oversight by the Director of the Clinic, including case and client development; coordination with clients and other partners; support and assistance with supervision of student clinicians on case work; representation of Clinic clients before courts, agencies, and in other legal and policy settings; and participation in and presentations at clinic seminars.
Required Education, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate will be available to start in time for the Fall 2025 semester. The candidate must have graduated with a J.D. degree with 0-5 years of practice experience. Strong academic qualifications and a demonstrated interest in climate law, climate justice, and/or environmental, natural resources or energy law and policy, will be expected. Candidates should also have a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and an understanding of and appreciation for inclusive teaching practices.
Other Requirements:
- Understanding of and appreciation for inclusion, including the ability to work with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints.
- Ability to communicate clearly and fluently in English by phone, email, and in-person with internal and external constituents.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (365) programs.
- Must be able to adapt to new and emerging technology as established and communicated by the school.
- Must be able to work legally within the United States without sponsorship.
- Ability to perform all essential functions of the job with or without basic accommodations.
