Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA) is the only regional organization solely focused on providing free legal services to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We are a trusted source for innovative legal strategies to tackle the Bay’s most complex environmental challenges. Our clients include individuals, community groups, and environmental advocates working to safeguard the Bay’s lands, waters, and communities. CLA also partners with local, state, and federal regulators to develop unique solutions for Bay protection and restoration.
CLA staff attorneys, in collaboration with our network of volunteer attorneys, provide the following services through our three centers:
We provide direct client counseling, case development, and representation in local, state, and federal matters, along with strategic policy guidance and innovative legal analyses.
We provide legal education and training to communities, partners, and advocates empowering them to use the law to protect the Chesapeake Bay, restore its health, and improve local water quality.
We cultivate a network of volunteer attorneys with expertise in land and water pollution, environmental permits, enforcement and compliance, hazardous site cleanup, contracts, public health, and corporate and nonprofit management, connecting them with individuals and organizations in need of assistance.
Enduring protection for the Chesapeake Bay watershed with healthy ecosystems, sustainable land use, and clean water for all.
To apply the power of the law to protect and restore clean water and promote healthy, resilient ecosystems for communities across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Our commitment to a clean, healthy environment for all lies at the heart of our organization, driving and inspiring our work every day.
We stay true to our mission and hold ourselves accountable—to our team, our partners, and the communities we serve. We strive for the highest standards of learning and performance, grounding our decisions in experience and the best available science, evidence, and information.
We bring creativity and innovation to our work, focusing on achieving tangible, lasting results in service of our mission.
We believe in the equal value of every person. To address the Bay’s most complex challenges, we embrace differences and actively include diverse voices, respecting all communities, cultures, religions, and perspectives in our work.
We emphasize kindness, empathy, and respect—toward each other at CLA, the people and partners we serve, and the donors who support our efforts. This includes supporting one another during difficult times, providing fair compensation and benefits, respecting work-life balance, and maintaining professionalism, even in contentious situations.
At Chesapeake Legal Alliance, our team of attorneys, strategists, and advocates combines deep legal expertise with a shared commitment to protecting the Chesapeake Bay. Together, we collaborate across disciplines and state lines to enforce environmental laws, empower communities, and pursue justice for our watershed. Meet the people driving our mission.
CLA welcomes the chance to strengthen our work with new staff and volunteers. Explore our current job openings below, or visit our Legal Representation page to learn more about joining our volunteer attorney network.
Law Clerk Spring Semester 2026
Position Overview: Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA) is currently accepting applications for our 2026 Spring Semester Law Clerk Program. Over the course of the semester, law students will use state and federal laws to protect and restore local water quality within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. CLA will work closely with students to meet law school requirements and ensure this educational clerkship meets all conditions for award of school credit.
Responsibilities & Learning Opportunities: CLA Law Clerks are given significant responsibility in various tasks including: conducting legal research and writing, providing litigation support, assisting CLA staff in evaluating requests for legal assistance, participating in community events and stakeholder meetings, developing content for our website and newsletter, and thinking creatively and strategically about how to use the legal system to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. Law Clerks will participate in and have access to staff, partner, and stakeholder meetings, webinars, hearings, and phone calls, along with research and writing projects.
Location & Time Commitment: Clerkships can be in person or remote. The number of hours Clerks are expected to spend per week working on CLA projects will vary based on the number of hours of credit the student is receiving, with a minimum of 15 hours per week expected. Full time and part time clerkships will be considered.
Qualifications: Candidates must be current 2L or 3L law students with excellent writing and research skills.
Experience and/or a demonstrated interest in environmental and administrative law, with a focus on water quality issues, is highly desirable.
Values of Diversity and Equity: CLA is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for those of all ages and backgrounds. Chesapeake Legal Alliance is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Jacqueline Goodrum at interns@chesapeakelegal.org. Positions in our spring semester program are filled on a rolling basis. To learn more about CLA or our current opportunities, visit us at www.chesapeakelegal.org.
