Jobs and Internships at the Sabin Center

We are no longer accepting applications for the Climate Law Fellow position. However, we are accepting applications for a Climate Justice Fellow (see above).

The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law seeks a Climate Law Fellow to be hired at the postdoctoral research scholar level to contribute to Center’s work on issues related to climate change law and regulation. This is a one-year appointment starting September 2025, with an option for a second year.

You can learn more about the Sabin Center here.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Michael Gerrard, Faculty Director, and Michael Burger, Executive Director, the incumbent will:

• conduct independent research and publish white papers, articles, and other materials on topics related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, including in the areas of energy, environmental, and land use law;
• contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy strategies around climate change mitigation and adaptation;
• contribute to programs and projects that engage in active law and policy contexts, including the Center’s engagement in regulatory proceedings concerning climate change mitigate and adaption;
• contribute to the conceptualization, management and implementation of the Center’s web resources, including various databases tracking developments in federal, state, and local climate change law;
• help organize conferences, seminars, and collaborative publications;
• assist with oversight of interns and volunteers, among other projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D., J.D. equivalent, or LLM from an ABA approved Law School
• Strong academic qualifications and a demonstrated interest in climate justice and equity, and/or in environmental, natural resources or energy law and policy, will be expected.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 0-3 years of professional legal experience with a government agency (including through a clerkship), NGO, law firm, financial institution, or law school center. 

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran.

Hiring Salary Range

$77,500-$85,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Application Instructions and Deadline

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Description: The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law is seeking one to two interns to assist with a variety of communications-related tasks. The intern will work under the supervision of the Sabin Center’s communications associate, Tiffany Challe, and Deputy Director, Romany Webb. Among other things, the intern will help with website reorganization; will create a weekly social media plan; develop posts and other content for social media; track and record media mentions; assist with management of the Climate Law Blog; and will assist in maintaining and updating the press list. 

Skills desired: Social media competence (Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook); basic knowledge of Wordpress and DRUPAL platforms; familiarity with and keen interest in climate change concepts and terminology; experience with Mailchimp; experience with graphic design and/or video editing. 

Type of student desired: Columbia University Undergraduate or graduate

This is a part-time unpaid internship and will last from January to May 2026. The selected candidate will work up to 20 hours a week. 

How to apply: We are no longer accepting applications. Check back at the end of May 2026 for summer opportunities. 

In order to recognize and enhance work in the field of climate law the Sabin Center on occasion sponsors researchers and scholars who have applied for and been accepted to Columbia Law Schools Visiting Scholars Program. Applicants interested in Center sponsorship may email the Faculty Director or Executive Director to notify them of their interest in sponsorship.