Application Guide
How to Apply for Fall 2026 Legal Externship – Florida Regional Office
at Earthjustice
🏢 About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the nation's premier nonprofit environmental law organization, uniquely positioned as the 'Earth's lawyer' through strategic litigation and partnerships. Their Florida Regional Office specifically focuses on protecting waterways, biodiversity, clean energy transitions, and environmental justice for disproportionately affected communities, making them a powerful advocate for systemic change rather than just individual cases.
About This Role
This Fall 2026 Legal Externship involves working remotely or hybrid from Tallahassee on water, species, energy, and community protection cases under attorney supervision. The role is impactful because you'll contribute directly to litigation protecting Florida's unique ecosystems and vulnerable communities while gaining hands-on experience with a leading environmental law organization.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching water quality regulations for an ongoing case, drafting memos on endangered species protections under attorney supervision, and participating in team meetings about Florida-specific environmental justice initiatives. You'll balance independent legal research with collaborative work on cases protecting Florida's ecosystems and communities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For
- A law student eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship
- Demonstrated passion for environmental justice and protecting Florida's specific ecosystems (waterways, biodiversity)
- Alignment with Earthjustice's core values of justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence
- Interest in the intersection of environmental law with clean energy transitions and community advocacy
📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice
Explicitly mention your eligibility for academic credit or graduation requirement fulfillment in your application materials
Reference specific Florida Regional Office cases or initiatives from their website (like Everglades protection or clean energy advocacy)
Highlight any coursework or experience related to water law, endangered species protection, or environmental justice
Demonstrate understanding of Earthjustice's partnership approach by mentioning collaborative experiences
Address how you can contribute to their mission of defending disproportionately burdened communities
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in Florida's environmental challenges and the Regional Office's focus areas", "How your values align with Earthjustice's core principles of justice, inclusion, and partnership", 'Examples of your commitment to environmental protection or social justice work', 'Why the Fall 2026 timing works for your academic schedule and career goals']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Recent cases from the Florida Regional Office (check their website and news section)
- → Earthjustice's specific approach to environmental justice and community partnership
- → Key environmental issues facing Florida (water quality, Everglades protection, coastal resilience)
- → The organization's structure as a nonprofit law firm versus traditional firm
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic environmental enthusiasm without specific knowledge of Florida's issues or Earthjustice's work
- Focusing only on litigation skills without mentioning partnership or community aspects
- Not addressing the academic credit requirement or how this fits your law school program
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!