Application Guide

How to Apply for Attorney

at ChangeLab Solutions

🏢 About ChangeLab Solutions

ChangeLab Solutions is a unique nonprofit that leverages law and policy to advance health equity, working directly with communities to design equitable solutions. Their nonpartisan, collaborative approach makes them a standout organization for attorneys passionate about social justice and systemic change.

About This Role

As an Attorney at ChangeLab Solutions, you will conduct legal research and draft model legislation, policy guides, and toolkits to support community-driven health equity initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to translate complex legal concepts into actionable policy, directly impacting marginalized communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing a partner organization's proposed policy, drafting a legal memorandum on a health equity issue, and then hopping on a call to provide technical assistance to a coalition of community advocates. You might also collaborate with a team of policy analysts and epidemiologists to develop a model ordinance for affordable housing.

🚀 Application Tools

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🎯 Who ChangeLab Solutions Is Looking For

  • A JD with 2-4 years of experience in public agency, city attorney, or nonprofit legal settings, with a focus on health equity, civil rights, or government law.
  • Proven ability to conduct rigorous legal research and draft clear, accessible materials for non-legal audiences, such as fact sheets and policy guides.
  • Experience collaborating with community-based organizations or marginalized communities, demonstrating cultural competence and a commitment to equity.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for providing technical assistance and training to policymakers and advocates, with a knack for building partnerships.

📝 Tips for Applying to ChangeLab Solutions

1

Highlight any experience you have working with community-based organizations or on health equity issues, even if tangential, as this is strongly preferred.

2

In your resume, include specific examples of legal research and writing projects that resulted in policy change or community impact.

3

Tailor your cover letter to mention ChangeLab Solutions' mission and specific projects (e.g., their work on food access, housing, or tobacco control) and how your skills align.

4

Showcase your ability to translate complex legal jargon into plain language—provide a writing sample that demonstrates this skill.

5

Network by attending ChangeLab Solutions webinars or events, and mention any familiarity with their resources in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for health equity and how your legal background can advance systemic change through policy.', "Provide concrete examples of how you've worked with diverse communities or on equity-focused projects.", 'Demonstrate your ability to collaborate across disciplines and with non-legal stakeholders.', "Mention your familiarity with ChangeLab Solutions' work and how you can contribute to their specific policy areas."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ChangeLab Solutions' website and recent publications, especially toolkits and model legislation in areas like healthy housing, food policy, or COVID-19 equity.
  • → Explore their blog and news section to understand current campaigns and partnerships.
  • → Look into their organizational structure and team to see where this role fits and who you might work with.
  • → Read about their impact stories to see how they measure success and engage communities.
Visit ChangeLab Solutions's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How have you used legal research and writing to influence policy or legislation? Provide a specific example.
2 Describe a time you worked with a community-based organization or marginalized group. What challenges did you face?
3 How do you approach translating complex legal concepts for a non-legal audience? Can you share a sample?
4 What does health equity mean to you, and how can law and policy address systemic inequities?
5 How do you handle competing priorities in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team setting?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't reference ChangeLab Solutions' specific mission or projects.
  • Avoid focusing solely on litigation experience; this role is about policy, research, and collaboration, not court appearances.
  • Don't overlook the importance of plain-language communication—failing to demonstrate this skill can hurt your application.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to ChangeLab Solutions!

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