Research Fellowships in Environmental Law and Policy

Application Window

UCLA School of Law’s Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment is now accepting applications for the UCLA Emmett/Frankel and Shapiro Fellowships in Environmental Law and Policy for the academic years 2023-2025. These fellowships are full-time, two-year academic positions beginning in the summer of 2023. The positions involve research and writing in the law and policy of climate change and the environment; teaching; and assisting with Institute projects such as conferences and workshops. At least one of the positions will focus on energy law questions related to climate change, and applicants with a background and interest in energy law are particularly encouraged to apply.

The Emmett Institute is among the leading environmental law programs in the country, with faculty members renowned for their public service, teaching excellence, and scholarship in state, federal, and international law. The Emmett Institute educates future leaders and develops solutions to urgent environmental and environmental justice challenges. Through groundbreaking research and public interest initiatives, the Emmett Institute helps shape climate change and environmental law and policy in California, the United States, and jurisdictions around the world.

Fellows work on issues relating to environmental law and policy and will generate policy-oriented publications and other products for the Institute, in collaboration with other UCLA Law faculty. Fellows typically work on projects related to climate change, natural resource conservation, environmental justice, pollution control, land use, international environmental governance, and other topics related to environmental law and policy. Fellows also assist the Institute’s directors with projects that advance the Institute’s work, including by organizing conferences, workshops, public education and outreach efforts, and other events. In addition to these responsibilities, which will continue year-round, Fellows sometimes take on teaching responsibilities.

At least one fellow hired this year will focus significant time on issues related to the regulation of energy supply, transmission, and markets. Applicants with a strong understanding of U.S. and state energy regulatory contexts are particularly welcome.

Candidates should possess a J.D. earned within the past several years or expected before June 30, 2023; a strong academic record; excellent analytical and writing skills; and demonstrated interest and background in environmental or energy law and policy. Previous experience in law practice or clinical instruction is helpful but not necessary. Scientific, technical, or economic skills related to public policy analysis are helpful but not necessary qualifications. The salary is anticipated to be approximately $84,000 per year plus a competitive benefits package. UCLA School of Law has a special interest in enriching its intellectual environment through further diversifying the range of perspectives represented within the faculty.

Applicants should apply online at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF08187. Please submit a letter discussing qualifications and interests, a resume, a transcript of studies in law school, a writing sample of no more than ten pages, and contact information for three references. Finalists will later be expected to supply at least two letters of recommendation during the final vetting process.

Program: https://law.ucla.edu/academics/centers/emmett-institute-climate-change-environment

J.D. or equivalent

Please provide the names and contact information for three references.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.