Application Guide
How to Apply for Spring 2027 Legal Externship – Sustainable Food & Farming Program
at Earthjustice
🏢 About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the nation's premier environmental law organization, using the power of law to protect people's health, preserve natural wonders, and combat climate change. With a mission-driven team and a commitment to justice and inclusion, it offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact cases that shape environmental policy and safeguard communities.
About This Role
As a legal extern in the Sustainable Food & Farming Program, you'll support litigation and advocacy aimed at reducing industrial agriculture's pollution and promoting climate-friendly farming practices. This role is impactful because it addresses the intersection of environmental health, food systems, and community well-being, working directly with partners to create systemic change.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start by checking emails and reviewing case updates, then dive into legal research on agricultural regulations or draft memos for ongoing litigation. You could participate in virtual meetings with attorneys and partners, and later, prepare documents for filings or assist with advocacy campaigns, all while collaborating remotely with your team.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For
- A law student passionate about environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, and climate change, with a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in public interest law.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and communicate effectively.
- Self-motivated and organized, capable of working independently in a remote setting while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Collaborative and eager to learn, with an appreciation for diverse perspectives and a commitment to Earthjustice's core values of justice, inclusion, and excellence.
📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice
Tailor your cover letter specifically to the Sustainable Food & Farming Program, mentioning why you're drawn to this area and how your background aligns with their mission.
Highlight any coursework, clinics, or prior experience related to environmental law, agricultural policy, or food justice, even if it's not direct legal work.
Ensure you meet the academic credit requirement and clearly state your eligibility in your application materials.
Research Earthjustice's recent cases and publications in the food and farming sector and reference them in your cover letter or interview to show genuine interest.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and your proficiency with remote collaboration tools.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for sustainable food systems and environmental justice, with a clear connection to Earthjustice's mission.", "Specific legal skills you bring (research, writing, analysis) and how they apply to the program's work.", 'Any relevant experience with advocacy, community partnerships, or environmental issues, and how it prepares you for this externship.', 'Your ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive team, and your eagerness to learn from experienced attorneys and partners.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Earthjustice's Sustainable Food & Farming Program page, including recent news, cases, and reports to understand their current priorities.
- → Familiarize yourself with Earthjustice's overall mission, history, and core values, as well as their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- → Look into key legal issues in sustainable agriculture, such as Clean Water Act regulations for CAFOs, pesticide policies, or climate resilience in farming.
- → Check if any Earthjustice attorneys have spoken or written about food and farming topics, and read their insights to gain a deeper perspective.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't reference the Sustainable Food & Farming Program or Earthjustice's specific work.
- Overlooking the academic credit requirement and failing to confirm your eligibility, which is a key qualification.
- Underestimating the remote work aspect; failing to demonstrate your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively.
📅 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!