U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of General Counsel
Posted on:
Aug 19,2025
Job Profile:
Organization: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Program: Summer Honors Program for Law Clerks
Job Title: Law Clerk
Experience: Completion of second year at an American Bar Association-accredited law school
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience
Overview:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a highly-competitive 12-week Summer Honors Program for law clerks interested in a dynamic and challenging federal experience. The program is open to students who have completed their second year (or equivalent for part-time students) at an American Bar Association-accredited law school. The EPA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) is committed to attracting a talented and diverse pool of applicants, and provides a unique opportunity for law clerks to gain experience and contribute to the agency's mission of protecting the environment.
About the Office of General Counsel (OGC):
The OGC is the chief legal advisor to the EPA, responsible for providing counsel to EPA policy makers on legal issues related to implementing environmental laws and governing the day-to-day operations of a federal agency. Located at EPA's headquarters in Washington, DC, the OGC is organized into eight law offices, each focusing on a specific practice area.
Who Should Apply?
The OGC is looking for law clerks with strong academic credentials and a demonstrated interest in environmental, administrative, government operations, civil rights, or public interest law. The agency values diversity and welcomes applicants with varied backgrounds and skills. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for this program, and veterans are encouraged to apply. The OGC is an equal opportunity employer and selection for the program is based solely on merit.
Experience:
Law clerks in the Summer Honors Program can expect to gain valuable experience in researching and writing about administrative, environmental, and general law issues. They will also have the opportunity to work with individual mentors, attend client meetings, participate in field trips, and improve their professional skills.
How to Apply:
Interested students can apply for the program through USAJOBS. The EPA is committed to providing a professional development experience for selectees and expects them to honor and adhere to their commitment. For further information, applicants can contact the OGC Recruitment Coordinator, Angela L. Johnson, at johnson.angelal@epa.gov.
Salaries and Benefits:
The EPA offers competitive salaries for law clerks, commensurate with their experience. In addition, the agency provides a comprehensive benefits package for its employees.
Career Opportunities:
The EPA offers various career opportunities for students, graduates, and post-docs interested in environmental protection. The agency also provides legal and science careers for those with relevant backgrounds and interests.
Inclusive Environment:
The EPA is committed to building strong working relationships with underrepresented communities, including tribes, communities of color, economically distressed cities and towns, and young people. The agency values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who are talented, smart, and passionate about protecting the environment.
In Summary:
- EPA offers a highly-competitive 12-week Summer Honors Program for law clerks
- Open to students who have completed their second year at an American Bar Association-accredited law school
- OGC is committed to attracting a talented and diverse pool of applicants
- Law clerks can expect to gain valuable experience and contribute to the agency's mission
- OGC is the chief legal advisor to the EPA, responsible for providing counsel on legal issues related to environmental laws and governing the agency's operations
- U.S. citizenship is a requirement, and veterans are encouraged to apply
- Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits package offered
- EPA offers various career opportunities for students, graduates, and post-docs
- Agency values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds
