Application Guide
How to Apply for Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney
at Public Health Law Center at Mitchell Hamline School of Law
🏢 About Public Health Law Center at Mitchell Hamline School of Law
The Public Health Law Center is a public interest affiliate of Mitchell Hamline School of Law, uniquely combining legal expertise with a mission to advance health equity and combat commercial tobacco. Working here means contributing to high-impact policy change and supporting communities nationwide, all while enjoying the flexibility of a remote position.
About This Role
This role involves providing legal technical assistance, litigation support, and training to advocates and government entities on commercial tobacco control. You’ll translate complex legal issues into accessible materials for diverse audiences, directly influencing public health policy and reducing tobacco-related harms.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing emails from partner organizations requesting legal guidance on a local tobacco ordinance. You could spend the morning drafting a fact sheet explaining new FDA regulations for community advocates, then join a virtual training session for health department staff. Afternoon might involve researching preemption issues and preparing a memo for a coalition meeting.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Public Health Law Center at Mitchell Hamline School of Law Is Looking For
- A licensed attorney with at least 3 years (5 for senior) of relevant legal experience, preferably in public health, administrative law, or policy advocacy.
- Excellent legal research and writing skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce clear, persuasive educational materials for non-legal audiences.
- Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills, comfortable training and advising community groups, government officials, and advocates.
- Passionate about health equity and commercial tobacco control, with a commitment to advancing public health through legal strategies.
📝 Tips for Applying to Public Health Law Center at Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any experience with tobacco control, public health law, or working with underserved communities.
Provide specific examples of legal writing or training materials you’ve developed for non-lawyers, as this is a key job function.
Emphasize remote work experience and your ability to collaborate effectively across time zones and with diverse stakeholders.
Research the Center’s recent projects and publications, and reference them in your cover letter to show genuine interest.
If applying for the senior role, clearly outline leadership experience, such as mentoring junior attorneys or managing complex litigation.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your commitment to public health and health equity, especially in commercial tobacco control.', 'Experience translating complex legal concepts into accessible materials for diverse audiences.', 'Specific examples of providing legal technical assistance or training to non-legal stakeholders.', 'Your ability to work independently in a remote environment while staying connected to a mission-driven team.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Public Health Law Center’s website, especially their recent publications and blog posts on tobacco control.
- → Familiarize yourself with Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s mission and its public interest focus.
- → Look into current commercial tobacco control issues, such as flavored tobacco bans or preemption laws.
- → Understand the legal landscape of tribal tobacco control, as the role may involve work with Tribes.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t mention public health or tobacco control.
- Focusing solely on litigation experience without highlighting technical assistance or training.
- Failing to demonstrate remote work readiness or self-motivation in your application.
📅 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 Public Health Law Center at Mitchell Hamline School of Law!