Application Guide

How to Apply for Fall 2026 Legal Internship – Washington, DC Regional Office

at Earthjustice

🏢 About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the nation's premier environmental law organization, uniquely combining legal expertise with a mission-driven focus on protecting people's health, preserving natural habitats, advancing clean energy, and combating climate change. Working here means being part of a team that has a tangible impact on some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, backed by a culture that values justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence.

About This Role

As a Fall 2026 Legal Intern in the Washington, DC Regional Office, you will support litigation and advocacy efforts on national environmental issues, including air pollution, greenhouse gas regulation, and water protection. This role offers hands-on experience in environmental law, from legal research and writing to assisting with case strategy, all while working remotely or on a hybrid schedule.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing case files and conducting legal research on federal environmental regulations, drafting memos or sections of briefs, and participating in team meetings via video call to discuss case strategy. You might also attend virtual court hearings or oral arguments, and collaborate with other interns and attorneys on advocacy projects.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • A law student with a demonstrated passion for environmental justice, public health, and climate change, evidenced by coursework, clinics, or prior internships in environmental law.
  • Strong legal research and writing skills, with the ability to analyze complex statutes and regulations (e.g., Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act) and draft clear, persuasive documents.
  • Self-motivated and organized, capable of working independently in a remote setting while collaborating effectively with a team.
  • Commitment to Earthjustice's core values of justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, and a desire to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Tailor your cover letter to specifically mention Earthjustice's DC Regional Office docket, referencing current cases or issues they handle (e.g., air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, water protection).

2

Highlight any experience with federal environmental statutes, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, or National Environmental Policy Act, in your resume and cover letter.

3

Since the position is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage time effectively, perhaps with examples of remote coursework or previous remote work.

4

Showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion, as Earthjustice explicitly values a broad range of perspectives; mention any relevant involvement in diversity initiatives or community organizing.

5

Apply early, as competitive positions like this often have rolling reviews; ensure all materials are polished and error-free.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express your specific interest in Earthjustice's mission and the DC Regional Office's work, citing particular cases or environmental issues they are currently litigating.", 'Demonstrate your legal research and writing skills by referencing a relevant paper, memo, or brief you have written on an environmental topic.', "Explain how your personal background or experiences align with Earthjustice's commitment to inclusion and partnership, showing you understand their values.", 'Articulate why you are drawn to the remote/hybrid work model and how you will stay engaged and productive in that setting.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Earthjustice's website, especially the DC Regional Office page, to understand their current cases and priorities.
  • → Read recent press releases or blog posts from Earthjustice to stay updated on their latest litigation wins and campaigns.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key environmental laws relevant to the DC office's docket, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
  • → Look into Earthjustice's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including any reports or initiatives they have published.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss your understanding of a current environmental law case handled by Earthjustice's DC office and how you would approach it.
2 Describe a time you worked on a complex legal research project; how did you organize your findings and present them?
3 How do you stay motivated and productive when working remotely? Provide a specific example.
4 What does environmental justice mean to you, and how would you incorporate it into your legal work?
5 Tell us about a time you worked collaboratively in a diverse team; what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention Earthjustice or the specific office; this signals a lack of genuine interest.
  • Focusing only on academic achievements without connecting them to real-world environmental impact or legal practice.
  • Neglecting to address the remote work aspect—failing to show you can be self-sufficient and communicative in a virtual environment.

📅 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 Earthjustice!

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