Application Guide

How to Apply for Spring 2027 Community-Centered Advocacy Internship

at Earthjustice

🏢 About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the nation's premier environmental law organization, wielding the power of law to protect people's health, preserve wildlife and wild places, and combat climate change. Working here means joining a team of passionate advocates who are committed to justice and equity, making it an ideal place for those who want to use their legal skills to create a healthier and more just world.

About This Role

This internship offers a unique opportunity to support the Litigation & Advocacy Partnerships (LAP) team in strengthening Earthjustice's relationships with community-based organizations. You'll help build institutional capacity for community lawyering and grassroots communication, contributing to more effective and equitable advocacy. This role is impactful because it helps ensure that Earthjustice's legal work is grounded in the needs and voices of affected communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching potential community partners, drafting summaries of partnership priorities, and assisting with internal communications to help staff develop cultural sensitivity skills. You might also attend virtual meetings with Earthjustice staff or external partners, and contribute to projects that support community lawyering efforts across the organization.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • A graduate or law student with a demonstrated passion for environmental justice and community-centered advocacy.
  • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clearly.
  • Experience or coursework in community organizing, environmental justice, or nonprofit partnerships is highly valued.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote setting, with excellent organizational and time-management skills.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any experience with community-based organizations, environmental justice, or partnership-building, even if it's from coursework or volunteer work.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly reference Earthjustice's core values (justice, inclusion, partnership, excellence) and explain how your personal values align with them.

3

Demonstrate your understanding of the LAP team's mission by mentioning specific challenges or opportunities in community lawyering that you find compelling.

4

Since the position is remote, highlight your ability to work independently and communicate effectively in a virtual environment, citing examples from past remote work or projects.

5

If you have any experience with grassroots communication or cultural sensitivity training, be sure to include it, as these are directly relevant to the team's focus.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for environmental justice and your understanding of the importance of authentic partnerships with community organizations.', 'Highlight any relevant experience or coursework that demonstrates your skills in research, writing, and analysis, as well as your ability to work collaboratively.', "Show that you've done your homework by mentioning specific Earthjustice cases or initiatives that resonate with you, and explain how you hope to contribute to the LAP team's goals.", "Express your commitment to Earthjustice's core values and your desire to grow as an advocate in a supportive and inclusive environment."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Earthjustice's website, particularly the Litigation & Advocacy Partnerships page, to understand their current projects and priorities.
  • → Read about Earthjustice's recent victories and cases, especially those involving community partnerships, to see the impact of their work.
  • → Look into the concept of 'community lawyering' and how it differs from traditional legal advocacy, as this is central to the LAP team's mission.
  • → Review Earthjustice's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and think about how you can contribute to these values in the internship.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Why are you interested in community-centered advocacy, and what does it mean to you?
2 Describe a time you worked effectively with a diverse group of people or an organization outside your usual circle.
3 How do you approach building trust and maintaining authentic relationships with community partners?
4 What do you know about the Litigation & Advocacy Partnerships team, and what do you hope to learn from this internship?
5 Given the remote nature of the role, how do you stay organized and motivated when working independently?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Earthjustice or the specific role—this is a clear sign of lack of interest.
  • Avoid focusing solely on your own career goals without connecting them to the organization's mission and the needs of the team.
  • Don't overlook the importance of community partnerships—make sure you demonstrate an understanding of why this is central to the role, not just an add-on.

📅 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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