about MEA
Law Clerks
Law students who participate in MEA’s clerk program get an in-depth look at many different aspects of environmental law practice and nonprofit legal work, including:
- Working with staff attorneys on case development and litigation
- Drafting pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents
- Conducting legal research and preparing memoranda
- Developing strategy and legal theories
- Attending client meetings and court proceedings
- Conducting client intakes
Summer Law Clerk Program
Midwest Environmental Advocates accepts law students from across the country for in-depth work from May until August. Summer clerks work full time for 10-12 weeks. While we have funding available, students are encouraged to seek grants to supplement or enhance their funding. Students from The University of Wisconsin and Marquette law schools are encouraged to apply for the Semester Clinical Program.
The application period for Summer 2026 has closed.
Semester Law Clerk Program
Our semester program is designed for students attending law schools in Midwestern states, particularly Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Taken in place of regular classes, students are awarded up to seven credits on a pass/fail basis. Students earn 1 credit per 3 hours worked per week. The minimum number of credits allowed is 3 credits or approximately 12 hours per week. We are willing to consider students who want to earn pro bono credits outside of the traditional clerkship program.
The application period for Fall 2026 has closed.
2026 Named Clerkships
THE TESCHENDORF-DERHEIMER ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CLERKSHIP
established by Glenn Teschendorf and Mary Anne Derheimer
Awarded to Claire Stocker, University of Wisconsin Law School
Claire Stocker graduated from the University of Minnesota , where she earned her bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology, with minors in American Indian Studies and environmental science, policy, and management. During her undergraduate career, Claire conducted research related to the conservation of endangered species, including the Hawksbill sea turtle and two species of federally endangered butterflies. As a rising second-year law student at the University of Wisconsin Law School, Claire is a member of the Indigenous Law Student Association and the Environmental Law Student Association.
THE MATT AND LUKE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CLERKSHIP
established by Bill Lynch and Barbara Manger
Awarded to Elena Stites, University of Minnesota Law School
Elena Stites is a rising second-year law student at the University of Minnesota Law School. She is interested in environmental law and policy, particularly issues related to the energy transition and climate change. She earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental science and sustainability from Barnard College of Columbia University in 2024. Prior to law school, Elena worked in the environmental nonprofit sector as the Community Solar Program Coordinator for Minneapolis Climate Action and as the Administrative Coordinator for The Steger Center.
The DON & BARBARA FRANK ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CLERKSHIP
established by Barbara Frank
Awarded to Kate Carlson, University of Minnesota Law School
After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in English literature and political science, Kate Carlson enrolled at the University of Minnesota Law School, where she is a rising third-year law student. Kate has a strong interest in advancing environmental justice through state policy, administrative law, and government accountability. Her law school career has included internships with the Minnesota Senate, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services and Minnesota Justice Foundation.
Are you interested in establishing a named clerkship or contributing to an existing clerkship?