Deadline: Unspecified
Are you a recent law graduate passionate about environmental justice and advocacy? The Charlotte E. Ray Legal Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity to work with one of the most respected environmental organisations in the United States. This prestigious fellowship provides hands-on legal experience while honouring the legacy of Charlotte E. Ray — the first African-American female lawyer in the U.S.
About the Charlotte E. Ray Legal Fellowship 2026
The Charlotte E. Ray Legal Fellowship 2026 is a one-year postgraduate legal fellowship at the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) — a renowned nonprofit organisation dedicated to protecting New England’s environment. Fellows will join a dynamic legal team advocating for clean energy, climate justice, healthy communities, and sustainable oceans.
The fellowship begins in autumn 2026 and will be based at CLF’s Boston headquarters or one of its regional offices across New England (Montpelier, VT; Concord, NH; Portland, ME; Providence, RI; or New Haven, CT). There’s also some flexibility for remote work within New England.
Key Fellowship Focus Areas
Fellows will spend the majority of the programme working across several of CLF’s core areas and will have the chance to specialise toward the end of the fellowship year. The programme areas include:
- Clean Energy & Climate Change
- Environmental Justice
- Healthy & Resilient Communities
- Clean Air & Water
- Strategic Litigation
- Oceans
This structure ensures fellows gain broad exposure before narrowing their focus to a particular area of legal and environmental advocacy.
Roles and Responsibilities
As a Charlotte E. Ray Legal Fellow, you will play an active role in shaping legal and policy strategies to address critical environmental issues. Typical responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing innovative legal and policy approaches.
- Representing CLF in litigation, regulatory proceedings, and hearings.
- Drafting testimony, legal memos, reports, and educational materials.
- Advising and supporting community and advocacy partners.
- Collaborating with CLF’s communications and development teams to advance advocacy campaigns.
This is a hands-on legal fellowship designed to provide early-career lawyers with real impact opportunities.
Salary and Benefits
CLF offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package for fellows, which varies by location:
- Boston-based Fellows: USD $84,000 – $89,000 annually.
- Other New England Offices: USD $75,000 – $80,000 annually.
- Bar Passage Bonus: An additional $2,000 raise upon passing the bar.
Fellows also benefit from working in an inclusive, mission-driven organisation with extensive professional development opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Charlotte E. Ray Legal Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a law degree by the start of the fellowship.
- Have 0–2 years of legal experience.
- Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
- Show ability to manage multiple projects, solve problems effectively, and work both independently and collaboratively.
- Be technologically literate, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Show a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is currently unspecified on Opportunity Desk. Interested applicants are advised to check the official application page for updated information regarding submission timelines and required documents.
Why Apply for the Charlotte E. Ray Legal Fellowship 2026
This fellowship isn’t just a job — it’s an opportunity to:
- Build a strong foundation for a career in environmental law and advocacy.
- Honour the legacy of Charlotte E. Ray, a trailblazer in legal history.
- Contribute meaningfully to climate justice and environmental protection efforts across New England.
- Receive competitive compensation and work in a supportive legal team.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the official application portal and read the full programme details before submitting their materials.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
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