Application Guide
How to Apply for Fall 2026 Legal Externship – International Program
at Earthjustice
🏢 About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is unique as the nation's leading environmental law organization that exclusively represents clients free of charge, wielding litigation and legal advocacy to protect the environment and combat climate change. Their International Program stands out for its 30+ year track record of partnering with organizations worldwide to establish and enforce environmental protections across multiple continents, making it an ideal place for those passionate about global environmental justice.
About This Role
This Fall 2026 Legal Externship in the International Program involves supporting strategic legal advocacy to reduce fossil fuel dependence and develop regulatory frameworks in partnership with organizations in South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, and Latin America. As a remote or hybrid extern, you'll contribute to international environmental protection efforts while gaining hands-on experience in global environmental law, making this role impactful for both your career development and the planet's future.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching international environmental regulations for an ongoing case in Indonesia, participating in virtual meetings with partner organizations in different time zones, and drafting legal memos supporting strategic advocacy to reduce fossil fuel dependence. You'll collaborate with the International Program team while potentially working remotely from anywhere in the U.S. or hybrid from San Francisco.
🚀 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 climate change issues, particularly in international contexts
- Interest or experience in working with diverse global partners and understanding different legal systems
- Alignment with Earthjustice's core values of justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence
📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice
Explicitly mention your eligibility for academic credit or graduation requirement fulfillment in your application materials
Highlight any international experience, language skills, or coursework related to the regions Earthjustice's International Program serves (South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Latin America)
Demonstrate specific knowledge of Earthjustice's International Program cases or initiatives from the past 2-3 years
Connect your passion for environmental justice to Earthjustice's specific mission statement 'the Earth needs a good lawyer'
If applying for remote work, emphasize your ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across time zones
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in Earthjustice's International Program (not just environmental law generally)", 'How your background aligns with their global partnership approach and work in specific regions', 'Your understanding of strategic legal advocacy in environmental contexts', "Why you're drawn to their values of justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Earthjustice's International Program's current cases and initiatives in South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, or Latin America
- → The organization's 2023-2025 strategic priorities and how the International Program contributes
- → Earthjustice's partnership model and how they work with local organizations internationally
- → Recent victories or significant cases from the International Program in the past 2 years
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without mentioning the International Program specifically or confusing it with domestic programs
- Focusing only on domestic environmental law without showing interest in international contexts
- Not addressing how you meet the academic credit/graduation requirement eligibility
- Using generic environmental passion statements without connecting to Earthjustice's specific mission and approach
📅 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!