Jim Rubin International Fellowship | Environmental Law Institute

Jim Rubin International Fellowship: An Opportunity for Emerging Environmental Lawyers

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is now accepting applications for the prestigious Jim Rubin International Fellowship. This program is designed to support early-career environmental lawyers from developing nations, enabling them to address complex environmental challenges through research and policy engagement. The fellowship aims to remove financial barriers, provide mentorship, and cultivate leadership skills, fostering innovation and public awareness in the field of environmental law. The program is based at ELI’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Fellowship Structure and Benefits

Fellows will engage in in-depth legal research, analysis, writing, and editing, working on a specialized project while contributing to various ongoing ELI initiatives. They will be fully integrated into ELI’s research and policy team, with an expectation to work on-site at the ELI office.

For 2025, two fellowships will be available, each lasting up to three months. The fellowship offers:

Guidance from ELI’s senior professionals
Access to workshops, seminars, and conferences
Networking with influential figures in environmental law
A dedicated workspace at ELI’s Washington, D.C. office
A one-time travel and accommodation stipend of up to $7,500

About the Environmental Law Institute (ELI)

ELI is a renowned non-profit organization focused on environmental law and policy research, technical support, and training. Established over five decades ago at the dawn of the modern environmental movement, ELI has been instrumental in shaping environmental law globally. With an interdisciplinary team of legal and scientific experts, ELI develops solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The institute receives support from private foundations, governmental bodies, and international organizations.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold a legal degree (LLB, JD, SJD, or LLM equivalent) before the fellowship begins
Originate from a developing country (preferred)
Demonstrate proficiency in English for professional communication
Be legally authorized to travel to and volunteer in the U.S. for the fellowship’s duration (ELI does not provide visa sponsorship; applicants should check U.S. immigration requirements at USCIS)

The selection process prioritizes individuals who are at an early stage of their legal careers (preferably within five years of graduation) and show potential as future leaders in environmental law. Ideal candidates should embody the principles championed by Jim Rubin, including environmental advocacy, community involvement, and access to justice. Successful applicants should also possess:

Strong research and analytical skills
Excellent writing and communication abilities
A commitment to professional growth in environmental law
Reliability, independence, and keen attention to detail

Application Process and Deadlines

Applications for the 2025 Jim Rubin International Fellowship are currently open, with a submission deadline of February 28, 2025. The duration and start/end dates of the fellowship are flexible. Interested candidates must apply through ELI’s online application portal and submit the following documents in Word or PDF format:

Cover Letter (2-3 pages) addressing:
- Career goals and how the fellowship aligns with them
- Interest in ELI and potential research topics
- Preferred start and end dates
Resume
Analytical Writing Sample (3-5 pages) (excerpt from a larger work allowed)
Three References

Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility

ELI is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing that varied perspectives enhance the organization’s success. The institute strongly encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.

Additionally, ELI ensures accessibility for applicants with disabilities—those requiring accommodations can contact opportunities@eli.org or 202-939-3800.

The Jim Rubin International Fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity for early-career environmental lawyers to gain invaluable experience, expand their professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to global environmental policy. If you are passionate about environmental law and aspire to make a lasting impact, apply today and take a step toward shaping a sustainable future.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply