Application Guide

How to Apply for One-Year Project Attorney, Tribal Partnerships Program

at Earthjustice

🏢 About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is unique as the nation's leading environmental law organization that exclusively uses litigation and legal advocacy to protect the environment, rather than lobbying or direct action. They combine legal expertise with deep partnership values, particularly with Indigenous communities, making them distinct in their collaborative approach to environmental justice. Someone might want to work here to be at the forefront of high-impact environmental litigation while advancing tribal sovereignty and environmental protection simultaneously.

About This Role

This one-year Project Attorney role involves supporting the Tribal Partnerships Program's litigation and legal advocacy while a team member is on leave, focusing on cases protecting Indigenous lands, defending sacred places, and advancing clean energy transitions. The role is impactful because it directly supports tribal communities facing environmental threats while maintaining continuity in critical legal battles during a team transition. You'll work under the Managing Attorney's supervision on specific cases involving Federal Indian law, environmental regulations, and tribal rights.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching Federal Indian law precedents for an ongoing sacred places case, drafting motions or briefs for environmental litigation, and participating in team meetings to coordinate advocacy strategies with tribal partners. You'd likely review environmental impact statements, analyze regulatory compliance issues affecting tribal lands, and collaborate with other attorneys on case development while maintaining clear communication with the Managing Attorney about case progress.

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🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • An attorney with 5-7 years of litigation experience who has specifically worked on Federal Indian law cases or tribal environmental matters
  • Someone with demonstrated expertise in both environmental law AND tribal law, not just one area
  • A legal professional with excellent research and writing skills who can quickly integrate into ongoing litigation dockets
  • An attorney who understands the unique partnership approach Earthjustice takes with Indigenous communities, not just legal advocacy

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Explicitly quantify your 5-7 years of litigation experience with specific case examples involving tribal or environmental law

2

Highlight any experience with the specific issues mentioned in the job description: sacred places defense, clean energy transition advocacy, or pollution control law enforcement

3

Demonstrate your understanding of Earthjustice's partnership model by describing collaborative work with tribal communities or organizations

4

Address the one-year term directly in your application, explaining why this temporary role aligns with your career goals

5

Include specific examples of legal research and writing related to Federal Indian law or environmental regulations

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with Federal Indian law and how it intersects with environmental protection', 'Examples of litigation work supporting tribal communities or Indigenous rights', "Why you're specifically interested in Earthjustice's Tribal Partnerships Program (not just environmental law generally)", 'How your skills would contribute immediately to ongoing cases during this one-year coverage period']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Earthjustice's current Tribal Partnerships Program cases and victories (check their website's tribal program section)
  • → The specific environmental threats facing Indigenous communities in regions where Earthjustice operates
  • → Earthjustice's core values of partnership and inclusion, and how they manifest in their legal work
  • → Recent developments in Federal Indian law and environmental regulations affecting tribal lands

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with litigation involving tribal sovereignty or Indigenous land rights
2 How would you approach building trust and partnership with tribal communities in legal advocacy?
3 Discuss a specific environmental law case you've worked on that involved complex regulatory frameworks
4 What experience do you have with the legal issues surrounding sacred places or cultural resource protection?
5 How do you prioritize and manage multiple litigation matters simultaneously?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only general environmental law experience but no specific tribal law or Federal Indian law background
  • Failing to address the one-year term or treating it as just a temporary job without showing genuine interest in the mission
  • Using generic environmental advocacy language without demonstrating understanding of Earthjustice's specific legal-focused approach

📅 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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