Please note: This position is open only to current law students or students with a degree in law.

The Institute for Engagement + Negotiation (IEN) is hiring a Student Research Assistant (SRA) to support the development of a legal framework to value, conserve, and augment urban forest canopies as heat mitigation infrastructure. The SRA will assist with a review of Virginia state and local law, along with significant examples from other US jurisdictions, related to tree protection, zoning, carbon mitigation, stormwater attenuation, and climate resilience. Based on the law and policy review, the project team will develop a legal framework to support urban heat mitigation through urban tree and forest conservation and afforestation at the state and local level. Working with IEN attorneys, the SRA will gain an understanding of the multiple and interconnected scales of Virginia law and regulations impacting the protection of urban trees, explore legal innovations supporting conservation objectives, and engage with stakeholders from state and local government, affected communities, and nonprofit partners.

Role + Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research into existing Virginia laws and regulations, and notable examples from other US jurisdictions
• Participate in weekly project team meetings and assist with preparing agendas, meeting materials, and summaries
• Assist in engagement with stakeholders from state and local government, affected communities, and nonprofit partners
• Contribute to development of reports and public-facing materials

Experience + Skills

Required:

• Demonstrated experience in legal research and writing
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Experience with note-taking and synthesis
• Strong organizational skills

Preferred:

• Interest or experience in conservation and/or land use law
• Knowledge of Virginia law related to tree protection or related subjects
• Background in science or economics and its application in law and policy
• Experience with preparation of legal reports and distillation of legal analysis

Position dates/hours: 8-10 hrs/week in the Spring 2027 semester, with the opportunity to continue into Summer 2027 based on performance and fit.

Pay Rate: $19/hr for first year grad students, $21/hr for second/third year grad students.

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. You may direct questions related to this position to Kelly Altizer (kim5f@virginia.edu).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Resume and cover letter required.

Education: Current graduate UVA student.

Licensure: None

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.