Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Attorney, Public Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans

at Earthjustice

🏢 About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization, with a proven track record of winning landmark legal battles to protect the planet. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that leverages the power of law to combat climate change, defend public lands, and safeguard wildlife and oceans. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and offers the flexibility of remote work.

About This Role

This Senior Attorney role is a leadership position focused on developing and litigating high-impact cases in federal and state courts to protect public lands, wildlife, and oceans. You'll also engage in administrative advocacy and collaborate with coalitions to drive systemic change. Your work will directly shape environmental policy and hold government and corporate actors accountable.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a strategy call with co-counsel and client partners, followed by drafting a motion in a federal public lands case. You could then review an agency comment letter, mentor a junior attorney on a brief, and end the day preparing for an oral argument. The work is fast-paced, intellectually rigorous, and deeply rewarding.

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🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • A seasoned litigator with 6+ years of experience, preferably in environmental or public interest law, who has first-chaired or co-led complex federal court cases.
  • An expert in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy, with a track record of persuasive briefs and compelling oral arguments.
  • A collaborative leader who enjoys mentoring junior attorneys and working with diverse coalitions, including tribal nations and frontline communities.
  • A strategic thinker who can integrate litigation with administrative advocacy and campaign goals to achieve lasting environmental protections.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific litigation experience involving public lands, wildlife, or oceans, including case outcomes and your role.

2

In your cover letter, name a specific Earthjustice case or campaign you admire and explain how your skills align with that work.

3

Prepare a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to craft compelling legal arguments in environmental or public interest law.

4

Research Earthjustice's current priority campaigns and mention how you could contribute to them in your application.

5

If you have experience working with tribal or frontline communities, explicitly highlight that in your application materials.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your commitment to Earthjustice's mission and your passion for protecting public lands, wildlife, and oceans.", 'Specific examples of your litigation experience, particularly in federal courts, and how it prepared you for this role.', 'Your ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners, including NGOs, tribes, and community groups.', 'Your interest in mentoring and contributing to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Earthjustice's current priority campaigns, especially those related to public lands, wildlife, and oceans.
  • → Read recent press releases and blog posts to understand the organization's litigation strategy and tone.
  • → Look into Earthjustice's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to show informed alignment.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the key federal agencies (e.g., BLM, FWS, NOAA) and statutes (e.g., ESA, NEPA, CWA) relevant to the role.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a complex environmental case you litigated and the strategy you used to achieve a favorable outcome.
2 How do you balance aggressive litigation with the need for coalition building and stakeholder collaboration?
3 What is your approach to mentoring junior attorneys and fostering an inclusive team culture?
4 How would you integrate administrative advocacy (e.g., agency rulemaking) with litigation to advance a campaign?
5 Tell us about a time you worked with tribal nations or frontline communities and how you ensured their voices were heard.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Earthjustice's specific mission or recent cases.
  • Overlooking the requirement for active bar membership in your working location; ensure you are licensed where you plan to work.
  • Failing to demonstrate collaborative experience; this role requires coalition work, so avoid sounding like a lone wolf litigator.

📅 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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