Application Guide

How to Apply for International Environmental Law Summer Clerkship

at Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development

🏢 About Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development

IGSD is a leading nonprofit focused on fast climate action through legal and policy strategies to curb super pollutants like HFCs and methane. Working here means joining a nimble, high-impact team that influences international treaties and advances cutting-edge legal theories to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach.

About This Role

As a summer clerkship, you'll conduct legal research on novel climate litigation theories, support preparations for Montreal Protocol and UNFCCC meetings, and contribute to publications advancing key climate proposals. This role offers hands-on experience in international environmental law and a chance to directly support efforts to reduce near-term climate risks.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching legal precedents for a memo on methane regulation, drafting a briefing note for an upcoming Montreal Protocol meeting, and attending a team call to discuss publication strategy. You'll likely collaborate with scientists and lawyers to ensure legal arguments are grounded in the latest climate science.

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🎯 Who Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development Is Looking For

  • A law student or recent graduate with 0-3 years of experience and a strong demonstrated commitment to climate and environmental progress (e.g., coursework, internships, or activism).
  • Excellent writing and research skills, with the ability to analyze complex legal and scientific documents and synthesize them into clear, persuasive arguments.
  • Self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively in diverse teams, with a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
  • Familiarity with international environmental treaties (especially Montreal Protocol and UNFCCC) and climate science concepts like super pollutants and carbon sinks.

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development

1

Tailor your cover letter to highlight specific knowledge of super pollutants (HFCs, methane, black carbon) and IGSD's work on the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.

2

Include a writing sample that demonstrates legal analysis or policy research on climate change, preferably related to international law or treaties.

3

Mention any experience with treaty negotiations, climate litigation, or policy advocacy, even if academic or extracurricular.

4

Show your commitment to climate progress by referencing recent IGSD publications or initiatives (e.g., their work on the Montreal Protocol's climate benefits).

5

Proofread meticulously and ensure your resume uses action verbs and quantifies achievements (e.g., 'Researched 20+ legal precedents for climate litigation memo').

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of IGSD's mission to reduce near-term climate risks by targeting super pollutants and protecting carbon sinks.", 'Your specific interest in international environmental law and treaty processes, especially Montreal Protocol and UNFCCC.', 'Your research or writing experience relevant to novel legal theories in climate litigation.', 'Your ability to work in a fast-paced, small-team environment and contribute to publications.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read IGSD's recent publications on the Montreal Protocol's climate benefits and their 'Primer on Super Pollutants'.
  • → Review the latest IPCC reports and UNEP Emissions Gap Report to understand the science behind near-term climate risks.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key climate litigation cases (e.g., Urgenda, Juliana) and IGSD's role in supporting legal strategies.
  • → Study the structure of the Montreal Protocol and UNFCCC, including recent decisions and upcoming meetings.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Why are super pollutants important for near-term climate action, and what legal strategies can address them?
2 How would you approach researching a novel legal theory for climate litigation? Give an example.
3 Describe your experience with international treaty processes. How would you prepare for a meeting like the Montreal Protocol's Open-Ended Working Group?
4 How do you stay updated on climate science and policy developments?
5 Tell us about a time you worked independently on a complex research project. How did you ensure accuracy and timeliness?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing IGSD's specific focus on super pollutants and treaty work.
  • Overlooking the importance of the 1.5°C temperature guardrail and near-term climate risks in your application.
  • Failing to demonstrate a genuine commitment to climate progress through concrete examples (e.g., volunteering, coursework, or activism).

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development!

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