Application Guide

How to Apply for Staff Attorney

at Advocates for the West

🏢 About Advocates for the West

Advocates for the West is a high-impact nonprofit environmental law firm with an 85% success rate, offering free legal representation to conservation groups and tribes. Its remote-first culture and focus on federal court litigation make it a unique place for attorneys passionate about protecting public lands and wildlife.

About This Role

As a Staff Attorney, you will lead litigation on cutting-edge environmental cases, from drafting briefs to arguing in federal court. You'll also help develop new cases and build client relationships, directly shaping the legal landscape for conservation.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a team check-in via video call, followed by drafting a motion for summary judgment in a public lands case. Afternoon could involve a client call with a conservation group to discuss case strategy, then reviewing scientific reports from an expert witness before ending the day with research on a new FOIA request.

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🎯 Who Advocates for the West Is Looking For

  • A J.D. graduate with 2-5 years of litigation experience, preferably in federal court with environmental or public interest law.
  • Admitted to a state bar in one of eleven western states (or willing to become admitted) and deeply familiar with federal environmental laws like NEPA, ESA, or APA.
  • A skilled legal writer and oral advocate who can distill complex scientific and legal issues into persuasive arguments.
  • Self-motivated and collaborative, comfortable working remotely while managing multiple cases and client relationships.

📝 Tips for Applying to Advocates for the West

1

Highlight specific environmental litigation experience, especially cases involving public lands, endangered species, or federal agency actions.

2

Tailor your resume to emphasize federal court experience, including motions practice, discovery, and oral arguments.

3

In your cover letter, name-drop a recent Advocates for the West case or success story to show genuine interest.

4

Mention any familiarity with western state bar admission processes, as this is a key requirement.

5

Submit writing samples that demonstrate concise, persuasive legal writing on environmental or public interest topics.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express passion for environmental conservation and alignment with the firm's mission of protecting public lands and tribes.", 'Showcase your litigation skills with a specific example of a case or motion you handled in federal court.', 'Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote setting while collaborating with a small, dedicated team.', "Demonstrate knowledge of the firm's high success rate and your desire to contribute to that track record."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review recent case victories on Advocates for the West's website to understand their litigation focus.
  • → Read about the firm's client base, including conservation groups and Native American Tribes.
  • → Look up the firm's blog or news mentions to see current issues they're tackling.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the federal environmental laws most relevant to their work, such as the ESA, NEPA, and FLPMA.
Visit Advocates for the West's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing a new case from a client's initial inquiry?
2 Describe a challenging oral argument you've given and how you prepared.
3 What is your experience with the Administrative Procedure Act or NEPA litigation?
4 How do you manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a remote work environment?
5 Why are you interested in working for a nonprofit environmental law firm versus a private firm?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference the firm's specific mission or cases.
  • Overlooking the bar admission requirement for western states; if not admitted, explain your plan to become admitted.
  • Failing to demonstrate remote work readiness, such as time management and communication skills.

📅 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 Advocates for the West!

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