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 track record of landmark victories protecting public lands, wildlife, and oceans. Working here means joining a team of skilled attorneys who use the power of the law to combat climate change and hold polluters accountable, making a tangible impact on global environmental justice.

About This Role

As a Senior Attorney on the Public Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans team, you will lead high-impact litigation and administrative advocacy to defend natural resources and biodiversity. This role offers the opportunity to shape legal strategy, mentor junior attorneys, and collaborate with diverse coalitions, all while working remotely to advance Earthjustice's mission.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a strategy call with co-counsel on a pending lawsuit, followed by drafting a motion or reviewing agency documents for a new case. Afternoon could involve mentoring a junior attorney on a brief, then participating in a coalition meeting to align on a campaign to protect a national monument.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Earthjustice

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • A seasoned litigator with 6+ years of experience in federal and state court, ideally with a focus on environmental or natural resources law.
  • Proven ability to craft compelling legal arguments and briefs, with a record of successful outcomes in complex cases.
  • Strategic thinker who can collaborate effectively with co-counsel, clients, and internal teams to develop multi-pronged advocacy campaigns.
  • Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience mentoring colleagues and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Highlight specific litigation victories or cases where you protected public lands, wildlife, or oceans, emphasizing your role and impact.

2

Demonstrate your familiarity with Earthjustice's recent cases (e.g., Sage Grouse, Tongass National Forest) and explain how your experience aligns with their ongoing work.

3

In your resume, quantify your litigation experience (e.g., number of trials, motions argued, cases led) to show depth and leadership.

4

Tailor your cover letter to show understanding of Earthjustice's unique model as a nonprofit law firm and your passion for their mission.

5

Mention any experience with administrative advocacy before agencies like BLM, FWS, or NOAA, as this is a key duty.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your deep commitment to environmental justice and how Earthjustice's mission resonates with your career goals.", 'Specific examples of leading complex litigation, including strategy development and courtroom experience.', 'Your collaborative approach, especially experience working with diverse coalitions and mentoring junior attorneys.', 'Knowledge of current threats to public lands, wildlife, and oceans, and how your skills can address them.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Earthjustice's current docket of public lands, wildlife, and oceans cases on their website.
  • → Read recent press releases and blog posts to understand their messaging and recent victories.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the organizational structure, including regional offices and the role of the Policy & Legislation team.
  • → Check out Earthjustice's DEI initiatives and commitment to building an inclusive workplace.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a case where you successfully challenged a federal agency's decision; what was your strategy and outcome?
2 How do you approach collaborating with co-counsel and client groups with differing priorities?
3 What is your experience with administrative advocacy, and can you walk through a rulemaking comment you led?
4 How have you contributed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in your previous workplaces?
5 How do you stay current on environmental law and policy, and what recent developments are you most concerned about?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Earthjustice or specific environmental issues.
  • Focusing solely on litigation without demonstrating administrative advocacy or coalition-building skills.
  • Neglecting to address your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is a core value for Earthjustice.
  • Overlooking the remote nature of the role; failing to show how you thrive in a distributed team environment.

📅 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!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →