Application Guide

How to Apply for Legal Assistant, General Counsel

at Earthjustice

🏢 About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the nation's premier environmental law organization, wielding the power of law to protect people's health, preserve wildlife and wild places, and advance clean energy. Working here means being part of a passionate, mission-driven team that has a tangible impact on climate change and environmental justice, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

About This Role

As a Legal Assistant in the Office of General Counsel, you'll provide critical support on a wide range of legal, compliance, and operational matters, including litigation management, contracts, and governance. This role is unique because it offers exposure to high-level legal strategy and confidential matters, making you an integral part of the team that safeguards Earthjustice's legal and ethical integrity.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve drafting and proofreading legal documents, managing case files and deadlines, coordinating with external counsel, and assisting with contract review. You'll also support the General Counsel with administrative tasks, schedule meetings, and handle confidential employee relations matters, all while collaborating with a dedicated team remotely.

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🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • Detail-oriented and organized, with experience in legal administrative support, ideally in a law firm or corporate legal department.
  • Proficient in legal document management, e-filing, and legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis), with strong tech skills.
  • Discreet and trustworthy, able to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost integrity.
  • A proactive problem-solver with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a collaborative spirit.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with litigation support, contract management, or compliance, and use keywords from the job description.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your ability to handle confidential information and your understanding of ethical obligations in a legal setting.

3

Demonstrate your commitment to environmental causes—mention any volunteer work, memberships, or coursework related to environmental law or advocacy.

4

Highlight your organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, as the OGC handles a variety of matters simultaneously.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, Teams) and your self-motivation.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for Earthjustice's mission and how you've contributed to environmental causes in the past.", 'Your relevant legal experience, especially any exposure to litigation, contracts, or compliance.', 'Your ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.', 'Your organizational skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, remote work environment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Visit Earthjustice's website and read about their current cases and victories, especially those related to climate change and environmental justice.
  • → Review their annual report or impact page to understand the scope of their work and recent achievements.
  • → Look up recent news articles about Earthjustice to see their latest initiatives and public statements.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the Office of General Counsel's role and any public information about their legal operations team.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple attorneys with competing deadlines?
2 Describe a time you handled a confidential matter. How did you ensure discretion?
3 Why are you interested in working for Earthjustice, and what do you know about our current cases?
4 How do you stay organized and manage your time while working remotely?
5 What experience do you have with contract management or legal operations, and how would you apply it here?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter—make sure it's clearly tailored to Earthjustice and this specific role.
  • Avoid mentioning any desire to move on to a lawyer role quickly; this is a support position, and they want someone committed to the role.
  • Don't overlook the confidentiality aspect—failing to address your ability to handle sensitive information could be a red flag.

📅 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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