Application Guide

How to Apply for Legal Assistant, General Counsel

at Earthjustice

🏢 About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the largest nonprofit environmental law organization in the United States, dedicated to using the power of the law to protect the planet and combat climate change. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that has a proven track record of winning landmark legal victories for the environment. The remote-first culture offers flexibility while being part of a collaborative and passionate community.

About This Role

As a Legal Assistant in the Office of General Counsel, you will be the backbone of legal operations, supporting everything from litigation management and contract administration to governance and compliance. Your work directly enables Earthjustice’s legal team to focus on high-impact environmental cases, making you a critical contributor to the organization’s mission. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge generative AI tools to streamline contract lifecycle management.

💡 A Day in the Life

You’ll start your day checking emails and prioritizing tasks for the OGC attorneys, then update contract databases and assist with document review using AI tools. Midday, you might coordinate travel arrangements for an attorney heading to a court hearing, and in the afternoon, you’ll proofread legal documents and prepare materials for an internal governance meeting. The remote setup allows for flexible hours, but you’ll stay connected via Slack and video calls with your team.

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🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • A detail-oriented professional with 2+ years of experience as a litigation assistant, paralegal, or executive assistant in a legal or environmental nonprofit setting.
  • Tech-savvy and comfortable with generative AI tools, databases, and contract management systems, as well as standard office software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Highly organized and proactive, with proven ability to manage complex scheduling, travel, and expense reporting for multiple attorneys.
  • Passionate about environmental justice and eager to support a mission-driven legal team in a fast-paced, remote environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Tailor your resume to highlight experience with contract databases, document review, and legal operations, not just general administrative support.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with generative AI tools or your eagerness to learn them, as this role specifically uses AI for contract lifecycle management.

3

Showcase your ability to work independently in a remote setting by including examples of self-managed projects or remote collaboration.

4

Research Earthjustice’s recent high-profile cases and mention one that resonates with you in your cover letter or interview.

5

Proofread your application meticulously—this role demands strong attention to detail, and any errors will stand out.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express genuine passion for environmental law and Earthjustice’s mission, referencing specific cases or initiatives.', 'Highlight your experience with legal support tasks like litigation management, contract administration, and document review.', 'Demonstrate your proficiency with technology, especially databases and AI tools, and your ability to adapt to new systems.', 'Emphasize your organizational skills and ability to handle multiple priorities in a remote, fast-paced environment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Familiarize yourself with Earthjustice’s major ongoing cases, especially those related to climate change and environmental justice.
  • → Understand the structure of the Office of General Counsel and how it supports the organization’s litigation efforts.
  • → Read about Earthjustice’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how it translates into workplace culture.
  • → Learn about the generative AI tools commonly used in legal contract management (e.g., Ironclad, ContractPodAi) to discuss informedly.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you manage competing deadlines from multiple attorneys while ensuring accuracy in contract databases?
2 Describe your experience with generative AI tools or how you would approach learning them for contract lifecycle management.
3 What steps do you take to ensure confidentiality and data security when handling sensitive legal documents?
4 How do you stay organized and communicate effectively in a remote team environment?
5 Why are you passionate about environmental justice and Earthjustice’s work specifically?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t mention Earthjustice’s mission or specific environmental issues.
  • Overlooking the requirement for tech proficiency—failing to demonstrate comfort with databases and AI tools can be a dealbreaker.
  • Neglecting to provide examples of remote work experience or self-management, as this is a fully remote role.

📅 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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