Application Guide
How to Apply for One-Year Project Attorney, Tribal Partnerships Program
at Earthjustice
🏢 About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is unique as the nation's premier nonprofit environmental law organization, using the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, and advance clean energy. Working here means joining a team of passionate litigators who take on precedent-setting cases against powerful opponents, making it ideal for attorneys who want their legal work to drive systemic environmental change.
About This Role
This one-year Project Attorney role focuses specifically on advancing tribal partnerships through litigation and advocacy, requiring deep expertise in both Federal Indian law and environmental law. You'll be instrumental in developing and executing legal strategies that protect tribal rights and resources, making this role impactful for those committed to environmental justice and tribal sovereignty.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching and drafting motions for ongoing federal litigation supporting tribal environmental rights, while also preparing comments for submission to a federal agency on proposed regulations affecting tribal lands. You'd likely participate in strategy calls with co-counsel from tribal organizations and Earthjustice colleagues to coordinate advocacy campaigns, and review expert reports on environmental impacts to tribal resources.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For
- Has 5-7 years of hands-on litigation experience in federal or state courts, with a proven track record in environmental or administrative law cases.
- Demonstrates substantive knowledge of Federal Indian law and tribal law, ideally with experience working directly with tribal nations or on cases involving tribal interests.
- Possesses exceptional legal writing and research skills, with the ability to craft persuasive briefs and develop novel legal arguments in complex environmental cases.
- Is a collaborative advocate who can effectively work with co-counsel from other organizations and manage relationships with outside experts and tribal partners.
📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice
Highlight specific litigation cases where you've worked on environmental law matters, especially any involving administrative advocacy before federal agencies.
Explicitly detail your experience with Federal Indian law or tribal law—mention specific statutes, cases, or tribal partnerships you've worked with.
Demonstrate your understanding of Earthjustice's strategic approach by referencing recent cases from their Tribal Partnerships Program or related dockets.
Show how your 5-7 years of litigation experience includes collaborative work with multiple stakeholders, as this role requires extensive partnership coordination.
Tailor your application materials to emphasize both your environmental law expertise and your commitment to tribal sovereignty and justice.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific experience with Federal Indian law and environmental law, connecting it to Earthjustice's mission and recent tribal partnership cases.", "Examples of successful litigation or advocacy campaigns you've led or contributed to, particularly those involving administrative agencies or collaborative partnerships.", "Why you're drawn to Earthjustice's model of using litigation as a primary tool for environmental protection and tribal rights advancement.", 'How your skills align with the collaborative nature of the role, including experience working with co-counsel and managing expert relationships.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Earthjustice's recent Tribal Partnerships Program cases and victories to understand their strategic priorities and legal approaches.
- → Study Earthjustice's organizational structure and how their litigation teams collaborate with communications, policy, and partnership staff.
- → Research the specific environmental issues affecting tribal nations that Earthjustice focuses on, such as water rights, sacred site protection, or climate impacts.
- → Familiarize yourself with Earthjustice's broader docket to understand how tribal partnership work fits into their overall environmental justice mission.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic application materials that don't specifically address both the environmental law and Federal Indian law requirements of the role.
- Failing to demonstrate concrete litigation experience—this role requires proven courtroom or administrative advocacy skills, not just theoretical knowledge.
- Overlooking the collaborative aspects of the position by not highlighting experience working with co-counsel, experts, or diverse stakeholders.
📅 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!