Application Guide
How to Apply for Legal Analyst, Climate and Environment
at Federation of American Scientists
🏢 About Federation of American Scientists
The Federation of American Scientists is a unique nonpartisan organization that bridges science and policy, focusing on national security, climate, and technology. Working here means contributing to evidence-based policy solutions at the intersection of science, law, and governance, with direct access to policymakers and thought leaders.
About This Role
This Legal Analyst role involves managing complex climate/environment projects, producing legally-grounded whitepapers, and convening stakeholders to influence policy. It's impactful because you'll shape climate policy through rigorous legal analysis and stakeholder engagement at a respected science-policy interface organization.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing legal analyses for a climate whitepaper, coordinating with policy stakeholders for an upcoming convening, and breaking down project components for a fast-moving climate initiative. You'd balance deep legal research with practical project management and stakeholder engagement.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Federation of American Scientists Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of experience specifically in climate law, administrative law, or environmental policy (not just general legal experience)
- Demonstrates exceptional writing skills with published policy briefs, whitepapers, or legal analyses on climate/environment topics
- Shows proven project management experience breaking down complex policy/research initiatives into actionable components
- Possesses experience facilitating high-level convenings with legal and policy stakeholders
📝 Tips for Applying to Federation of American Scientists
Highlight specific climate/administrative law projects you've managed or contributed to, quantifying impact where possible
Include writing samples that demonstrate both legal analysis and policy relevance (e.g., whitepapers, policy briefs)
Research and reference FAS's Climate & Energy Program or Climate Resilience Initiative (CRI) work in your application
Emphasize experience working across legal and policy communities, not just within one sector
Tailor your resume to show progression in both substantive climate expertise and project management responsibilities
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with climate law, administrative state issues, or environmental policy analysis', 'Examples of managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines', 'How your writing/editing skills have produced policy-relevant outputs that influenced decisions', "Why you're drawn to FAS's unique science-policy interface approach to climate issues"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → FAS's Climate & Energy Program publications and current initiatives
- → The Climate Resilience Initiative (CRI) mentioned in the job description and its mission
- → FAS's unique position in the science-policy ecosystem and how it differs from think tanks or advocacy groups
- → Recent FAS convenings or events related to climate/environment policy
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic legal writing samples without climate/environment policy relevance
- Failing to demonstrate specific climate or administrative law experience beyond general legal practice
- Not showing understanding of FAS's unique science-policy interface role in your application materials
📅 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!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Federation of American Scientists!