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, known for its relentless litigation to protect the environment and combat climate change. Working here means joining a team of passionate attorneys who have secured landmark victories, from defending the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to challenging offshore drilling. The remote-first culture and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion make it an attractive workplace for mission-driven legal professionals.

About This Role

As a Senior Attorney on the Public Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans team, you will lead high-impact litigation and advocacy to safeguard America’s natural heritage. Your work will directly influence the protection of endangered species, national forests, and marine ecosystems, while also mentoring junior attorneys and collaborating with tribal and frontline communities. This role offers the chance to shape legal precedent and drive systemic change for the environment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team check-in over Zoom to discuss case strategy, followed by drafting a motion to intervene in a challenge to a logging project in a national forest. After lunch, you could participate in a strategy call with tribal co-counsel and an expert witness, then spend the afternoon reviewing discovery documents or mentoring a junior attorney on a brief. The day ends with a remote oral argument preparation session.

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🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • A seasoned litigator with 6+ years of experience, preferably in environmental, public lands, or natural resources law, and a track record of leading complex federal and state court cases.
  • An excellent legal writer and oral advocate, capable of crafting persuasive briefs and delivering compelling arguments before judges and administrative bodies.
  • Experience working with NGO, tribal, and frontline community clients, demonstrating cultural competency and a commitment to centering marginalized voices.
  • A collaborative team player who thrives in a remote environment, enjoys mentoring, and actively contributes to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific litigation victories related to public lands, wildlife, or oceans, including case names, outcomes, and your role.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past work to Earthjustice’s mission and recent campaigns (e.g., defending the Boundary Waters, fighting offshore drilling).

3

Demonstrate your commitment to equity by describing how you have partnered with or represented tribal nations or frontline communities in your career.

4

Submit a writing sample that showcases your ability to argue complex environmental law issues, such as a brief or motion in a public lands or wildlife case.

5

If you are not already a member of the bar in the state where you plan to work, indicate your plan to obtain admission or reciprocity promptly.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for protecting public lands, wildlife, and oceans, and why Earthjustice’s approach aligns with your values.', 'Specific examples of litigation or advocacy you have led that directly advanced environmental protection.', 'Your experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including tribal nations, frontline communities, or coalitions of NGOs.', 'How you will contribute to Earthjustice’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in your legal work and within the team.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Earthjustice’s recent press releases and case dockets on their website to understand current priorities in public lands, wildlife, and oceans.
  • → Review the organization’s strategic plan and diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments to understand how this role fits into broader goals.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key ongoing battles, such as challenges to the Willow Project, Pebble Mine, or offshore wind leasing, and Earthjustice’s role.
  • → Research the specific team you would join (Public Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans) and its recent victories or major cases.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a complex environmental litigation you led, including your strategy, challenges, and the outcome.
2 How do you approach working with tribal clients or frontline communities? Can you give an example of a successful collaboration?
3 Earthjustice often uses a 'client-centered' approach. How do you ensure that client voices are central to your litigation strategy?
4 What is your experience with administrative advocacy before federal agencies like the BLM, USFS, or NOAA?
5 How do you stay current with developments in public lands, wildlife, and oceans law, and how do you incorporate new precedents into your work?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that does not reference Earthjustice’s specific mission or recent cases.
  • Failing to highlight your experience with tribal or frontline communities, which is a preferred qualification.
  • Overlooking the remote work aspect—ensure you demonstrate self-motivation and experience collaborating virtually with distributed teams.

📅 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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