Application Guide

How to Apply for Two-Year Project Attorney, Healthy States Project

at Earthjustice

🏢 About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization, known for its relentless pursuit of environmental justice and climate action through high-impact litigation. With a track record of landmark victories, it offers a unique opportunity to use legal expertise for the public good. Working here means joining a passionate team dedicated to protecting the planet and empowering communities.

About This Role

This two-year project attorney role focuses on advancing health and environmental justice by leveraging state and local laws to combat toxic pollution. You will lead legal research, develop innovative advocacy strategies, and litigate in state courts to drive systemic change. The position is remote, offering flexibility while making a tangible impact on communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing recent state court filings on toxics cases, drafting legal memos on novel theories like public nuisance, and meeting with Earthjustice's policy team to align litigation with campaign goals. You could also spend time strategizing with community partners or preparing for oral arguments in state court, all while collaborating remotely with a national team.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • An experienced litigator (7+ years) with a strong background in environmental, public health, or administrative law, eager to apply state-level legal frameworks to address toxics issues.
  • A strategic thinker who can identify novel legal approaches, such as using nuisance, public trust, or environmental justice statutes to hold polluters accountable.
  • A collaborative advocate who has worked with community groups, scientists, or policy teams to develop campaigns that combine litigation with policy advocacy.
  • A member of a state bar in a jurisdiction with robust environmental laws (e.g., California, New York, Washington) and a demonstrated commitment to social and environmental justice.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific litigation experience in state courts, including case outcomes and novel legal arguments you developed.

2

In your cover letter, reference Earthjustice's recent Healthy States or toxics-related cases (e.g., PFAS, lead, or air quality) and explain how your skills align.

3

Showcase any experience working with affected communities or partnering with environmental justice organizations, as this role emphasizes collaboration.

4

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to craft persuasive legal arguments on environmental or public health issues, preferably at the state level.

5

Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical toxics advocacy campaign, integrating litigation, policy, and community engagement.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for environmental justice and your commitment to using the law to protect vulnerable communities from toxic exposure.', 'Highlight specific experience with state-level litigation or policy work, particularly in areas like clean air, water, or chemical safety.', 'Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively across teams (e.g., with scientists, policy experts, and community organizers) to achieve advocacy goals.', "Mention any familiarity with Earthjustice's mission and recent victories, and explain why this two-year project role aligns with your career trajectory."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Earthjustice's Healthy States program page and recent press releases on toxics litigation (e.g., PFAS, coal ash, or pesticides).
  • → Familiarize yourself with key state laws that Earthjustice has used, such as California's Proposition 65 or New York's Environmental Rights Amendment.
  • → Read about Earthjustice's partnerships with community groups and environmental justice organizations to understand their collaborative approach.
  • → Explore the company's annual reports or impact pages to see metrics on cases won and communities served.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you developed a novel legal strategy in a state court or administrative proceeding. What was the outcome?
2 How would you prioritize which state or local laws to leverage for a toxics campaign, and what factors would you consider?
3 Discuss your experience working with communities affected by environmental injustice. How did you ensure their voices were central to the advocacy?
4 How do you stay current on developments in environmental law, particularly state-level regulations on toxic substances?
5 Given the two-year term, how do you plan to make a lasting impact within the project's timeframe?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Earthjustice's specific mission or the Healthy States Project.
  • Overemphasizing federal litigation experience without connecting it to state-level work or showing willingness to adapt.
  • Failing to articulate a clear commitment to environmental justice or lacking examples of work with marginalized communities.

📅 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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