Application Guide
How to Apply for Fall 2026 Legal Externship – Sustainable Food & Farming Program
at Earthjustice
🏢 About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization, wielding the power of law to protect people's health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. Its core values of justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence drive a mission that attracts passionate advocates. Working here means joining a team that is at the forefront of high-impact environmental litigation, with a strong commitment to diversity and collaboration.
About This Role
This externship with the Sustainable Food & Farming Program offers law students the opportunity to engage in litigation and advocacy to reform the nation's food system, focusing on reducing pollution from industrial agriculture and accelerating the shift to a climate-friendly system. Externs will work on real cases and projects that support farmers, workers, and communities, while also building skills in legal research, writing, and advocacy. The role is impactful because it addresses critical environmental and social justice issues at the intersection of food, climate, and equity.
💡 A Day in the Life
As a legal extern, you might start your day by reviewing emails and case updates, then conduct legal research on issues like Clean Water Act regulations affecting CAFOs. You could draft a memo on a new policy proposal, attend a team meeting to discuss litigation strategy, and later assist with editing a brief or preparing for a client call. The work is varied and collaborative, with a focus on both legal analysis and real-world impact.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For
- A law student eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement for the externship, with a demonstrated passion for environmental justice and sustainable food systems.
- Strong legal research and writing skills, with the ability to analyze complex regulatory and statutory issues related to agriculture, environmental law, or administrative law.
- Experience or coursework in environmental law, food law, or agricultural policy is preferred, along with a commitment to working in partnership with communities.
- Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a remote or hybrid setting, with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice
Tailor your cover letter to specifically mention your interest in sustainable food and farming issues, and connect your personal experiences or academic background to Earthjustice's mission in this area.
Highlight any coursework, clinics, or prior internships related to environmental law, agricultural policy, or food justice, even if not directly legal.
Emphasize your ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks, as the externship may involve remote work and require self-direction.
If you have any experience with community partnerships or advocacy, be sure to mention it, as the program works closely with communities.
Ensure your application clearly states that you are eligible for academic credit or graduation requirement fulfillment, as this is a mandatory condition.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express a genuine commitment to Earthjustice's mission and specifically to reforming the food system to be more sustainable and equitable.", 'Demonstrate understanding of the key issues the Sustainable Food & Farming Program tackles, such as pollution from industrial agriculture, climate resilience, and support for small farmers.', 'Highlight your relevant legal skills and any direct experience with environmental law, administrative law, or litigation, even if through clinics or coursework.', 'Show that you are a collaborative team player who values partnership with communities and diverse perspectives.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Earthjustice's Sustainable Food & Farming Program page to understand their current litigation, campaigns, and recent victories.
- → Read recent news articles or press releases about Earthjustice's work on agricultural pollution, factory farms, or climate-friendly farming.
- → Familiarize yourself with key statutes and regulations relevant to the program, such as the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, or Farm Bill.
- → Learn about Earthjustice's core values and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to align your application and interview responses.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to confirm eligibility for academic credit or graduation requirement – this is a strict requirement; omitting it may lead to immediate disqualification.
- Submitting a generic cover letter that does not specifically address the Sustainable Food & Farming Program or Earthjustice's unique approach.
- Overlooking the remote/hybrid work aspect – be prepared to discuss your ability to work effectively from home or in a hybrid setting.
📅 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!