Application Guide
How to Apply for Staff Attorney I
at Food & Water Watch
🏢 About Food & Water Watch
Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit advocacy organization that fights for safe food, clean water, and a livable climate through grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and litigation. It combines legal expertise with direct action, making it a unique place for attorneys who want to use their skills in service of environmental and social justice. Working here means being part of a dedicated team that takes on powerful corporate interests and pushes for systemic change.
About This Role
As a Staff Attorney I, you will lead and co-counsel litigation on climate and energy issues, from case development through appeals, while also engaging in regulatory proceedings and providing legal support to organizing campaigns. This role is impactful because your work directly contributes to holding polluters accountable and advancing policies that protect communities and the environment. You will also act as a public spokesperson, amplifying the organization’s mission through media and public appearances.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing case filings and drafting a motion for a climate case, followed by a strategy call with co-counsel or organizing staff. The afternoon could involve preparing comments for a federal regulatory proceeding or giving a media interview about a recent legal victory. You might also attend a virtual meeting with grassroots partners to align on campaign goals.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Food & Water Watch Is Looking For
- An attorney with at least two years of litigation experience, specifically in environmental law with a focus on climate and energy issues.
- A skilled legal writer who can craft persuasive briefs and motions, and who is comfortable with oral advocacy in court and before regulatory bodies.
- Someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and can provide legal support to non-legal teams like organizing and communications.
- A self-starter who is proficient with remote work tools (Adobe Pro, Microsoft Office) and can manage multiple cases and deadlines independently.
📝 Tips for Applying to Food & Water Watch
Tailor your cover letter to highlight specific climate or energy litigation you have worked on, even if it was during law school or a clerkship.
Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to analyze complex environmental statutes (e.g., Clean Air Act, NEPA) and argue persuasively.
Emphasize any experience with federal or state regulatory proceedings, such as commenting on rules or representing clients in agency hearings.
Show your commitment to grassroots advocacy by mentioning any volunteer work or involvement with environmental justice organizations.
Ensure your resume clearly lists bar admission state(s) and years of practice, and include remote work experience if applicable.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for climate and energy justice and alignment with Food & Water Watch’s mission.', 'Specific examples of litigation or regulatory work you have done on climate or energy issues.', 'Your ability to work collaboratively with non-legal teams and serve as a public spokesperson.', 'Your interest in combining litigation with grassroots organizing and policy advocacy.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Food & Water Watch’s current litigation docket, especially cases related to climate and energy (e.g., challenges to fossil fuel projects).
- → Read the organization’s recent reports and policy briefs on climate and energy to understand their advocacy positions.
- → Familiarize yourself with the key campaigns they are running, such as those against fracking or for public water systems.
- → Check the news for recent media appearances by their legal team to see how they communicate their work to the public.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that does not reference Food & Water Watch’s specific mission or ongoing cases.
- Failing to demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental justice and grassroots advocacy, which is central to the organization’s identity.
- Not providing a writing sample that is directly relevant to environmental law or litigation, or one that is poorly edited.
📅 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!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Food & Water Watch!