Crafting Impactful Applications for Environmental Law Roles

Feb 23, 2024

Written By Megan Hornsby

Are you passionate about environmental protection, climate change and seeking a fulfilling career where you can make a difference? If so, a career in environmental law might be the perfect fit for you. In this guide, we'll explore how to craft impactful applications for environmental law roles, helping you stand out in a competitive job market and pursue your passion for environmental law.

Understanding environmental law

To excel in environmental law, it's crucial to understand its fundamental principles and key areas of focus. From climate change to pollution control and conservation efforts, environmental law encompasses a diverse range of legal issues. Environmental lawyers often work for NGOs, charities and government agencies.

Typical responsibilities of an environmental lawyer include:

Reviewing permits for industries to ensure adherence to pollution standards
Representing clients in litigation concerning land use disputes or hazardous waste management.
Drafting legal documents such as environmental impact assessments
Negotiating agreements between parties to mitigate environmental harm
Conduct extensive research on the continually evolving environmental laws and precedents, staying updated on regulatory changes.

Tailoring your CV

Your CV serves as a reflection of your academic background, work experience, and skills relevant to environmental law. Highlighting relevant coursework, projects, internships, and certifications related to environmental law can significantly enhance your application. Emphasise your ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and apply legal principles to real-world challenges.

Demonstrating an understanding of environmental law, strong analytical and research skills, and proficiency in negotiation and dispute resolution are also all key components of a compelling application. Even if you don’t have legal experience, you can still showcase transferable skills.

Passion for environmental advocacy

University education where your journey as an environmental advocate begins to take shape. Strategically choose modules and coursework topics that align with your interests and career aspirations. For example, picking optional modules which focus on environmental topics (International Environmental Law), offers invaluable insights into the legal mechanisms underpinning climate challenges.

It’s important to note that extracurricular pursuits are just as important to demonstrate an interest in the field, especially if you don’t have optional modules. Some universities will provide environment-focused pro bono activities, either through reviewing your university climate policy, campaigning for governmental action or just through providing educational resources for the local community. Participating in moot court competitions and writing projects with an environmental focus are also great ways to refine your advocacy skills and knowledge of the area. If your university doesn’t offer too many environmental law extracurriculars, you can join the general environment society or look into volunteering opportunities.

Volunteering your time and expertise to causes that resonate with your values is also important. Whether it's advocating for pollution policies, or raising awareness about climate change, every contribution furthers the cause of environmental law. Volunteer experiences foster empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of systemic issues facing the industry.

Researching potential employers

Thorough research on potential employers allows you to tailor your application to their specific environmental initiatives and organisational missions. Highlighting your alignment with their values and showcasing your enthusiasm for contributing to their environmental initiatives can demonstrate your suitability for the role.

In addition, different environmental charities will offer insights on their website on how to get involved with projects. Editorial pieces or articles highlighted on these websites are a great way to gain a greater understanding of themes and issues in the industry.

Networking in the environmental law community

Joining professional organisations and engaging in online networking platforms like LinkedIn can expand your professional network and connect you with experienced professionals in the environmental law field. Setting up informational interviews or attending networking events offer valuable opportunities to gain insights and advice from industry insiders.

Preparing for interviews

Successful candidates invest time in researching the employer, its training programme, and the current global context. Below is a structured way to approach the interview:

Step 1 – Remind yourself of the organisation and why you applied

It is common for the first question to be either why this organisation or why environmental law so get your notes out! Think about why you have chosen the organisation; what makes it unique as a place to begin your career in environmental law. My top tip is preparing a three-point answer for each of these questions and practice giving a minute answer for each.

Step 2 – Why you

Look at the key competencies the organisation is looking for (you can find this on the job description), and plan how to show recruitment that you have these skills.

Step 3 – Commercial awareness

The interview is also a space for organisations to test your knowledge of commercial issues and trends in the wider environmental sector. It’s important to research one to two news articles which you have recently read into and think about how they impact the organisation’s clients. Use your preparation time to be creative; don’t just pick something generic like inflation.

In addition, note down the organisation’s defining characteristics in comparison to its competitors. Ideas for your research can be as follows: recent growth in a practice area, a new office being opened, a technology or innovation hub or the organisation securing a landmark court decision or precedent setting deal for a client.

The earth needs you

Pursuing a career in environmental law requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to environmental advocacy. By crafting impactful applications that highlight your expertise, experiences, and passion for environmental protection, you can position yourself for success in the dynamic field of environmental law.

Stay engaged with ongoing developments in environmental law, continue to enhance your skills and knowledge, and embrace opportunities to make a meaningful difference in safeguarding our planet for future generations.

Selection & Assessment