Senior Attorney, Washington, D.C. Regional Office – Right to Zero

Washington, DC Regional Washington, District Of Columbia

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Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. Our team of more than 550 staff — including more than 200 lawyers — wields the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect public health, address environmental injustice, defend and restore magnificent places and irreplaceable ecosystems, and transition our economy to 100% clean energy while working to protect people and the planet from climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, tribes, individuals, and communities to address the environmental crises of our time. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.   

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring staff who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco, with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee, and Washington, D.C. 
 
The Washington, D.C. office serves both as a center for litigation on important national environmental issues and a regional office for issues arising in Mid-Atlantic States. The office’s docket currently includes litigation and administrative advocacy to curb climate change pollution, protect clean air and water, promote a transition to zero-emission energy sources, and secure strong energy efficiency standards for the nation.  A significant focus of our public health work is preventing environmental harm to children, disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income communities. For more information about the office’s work, visit  http://earthjustice.org/about/offices/dc. Earthjustice has a longstanding track record of success with our litigation and advocacy to attack dangerous air emissions and climate pollution and to advance a transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. In recent years, we have achieved major successes in promoting a shift toward a zero-emissions future in California in which fossil fuels will be replaced by clean energy. We see an unparalleled opportunity to do the same at the federal level. 
 
The senior attorney will have the opportunity to lead the strategic growth of our national zero-emission transportation docket in D.C. and will coordinate with our Right to Zero team.  

Our practice increasingly emphasizes a mentorship culture for staff at all levels, and we expect that every Senior Attorney will help nurture the development of early career attorneys and other staff. Senior Attorneys supervise associate attorneys, fellows, and litigation assistants in connection with their work on projects. 
 
This is not a remote work position. This position is centered in our Washington, D.C., office and requires regular in-person attendance there.   
 
Responsibilities 
  • Develop, lead and conduct complex litigation in federal and state courts.
  • Conduct and supervise advocacy before agencies, state and local governments, and courts as warranted.
  • Manage new and existing litigation matters from start to finish, including working with technical experts as appropriate.
  • Develop, coordinate, and execute non-litigation advocacy strategies in collaboration with attorneys, policy staff, and communications staff as appropriate.
  • Conduct factual investigations and develop legal theories for possible advocacy or litigation advancing the goals of our clients.
  • Supervise the work of Associate Attorneys, Paralegals, and Law Clerks.
  • Develop and manage relationships with co-counsel and with a diverse group of clients and coalition partners.
  • Work effectively with other departments within Earthjustice, including Policy and Legislation, Communications, Development, and Operations.
  • Serve as spokesperson for Earthjustice, clients, and partners.
  • Help develop and execute effective media strategies with the help of communications professionals.
  • Join other staff in long-term planning, strategy development, goal setting, and work plan management that advances a collective vision for future D.C. Office and Right to Zero work.
  • Participate as an active member of a learning and mentorship culture and engage with colleagues in a manner that is respectful, professional, and supportive.
  • Participate actively in organizational and office-specific efforts to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, and personally engage with colleagues, clients, and partners in a manner that is consistent with those efforts.

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school.
  • A minimum of seven years of relevant litigation and advocacy experience, including significant lead counsel experience.
  • Admitted or eligible to waive in for admission to the D.C. Bar.
  • Knowledge of, and experience in, environmental and administrative law.
  • Experience related to transportation electrification and regulation of mobile sources is a plus.
  • Experience with advocacy campaigns directed at boards, agencies or commissions is also a plus.
  • Strong skills in communicating litigation and advocacy goals and messages to the media.
  • Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Initiative, good judgment, a collegial work style, and a strong work ethic.
  • Proficient at working with technical issues and experts.
  • Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community-based or other grassroots groups interested in litigation and other advocacy in the attorney’s area of focus.
  • Ability and willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, presentations, staff meetings, and conferences.
  • Ability to effectively supervise and mentor early career staff in connection with litigation and advocacy projects. Formal management experience is a plus.
  • Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.

  
Salary depends on experience and location.
Salary range in Washington, D.C.: $163,600+   
  
We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. 

For litigators and advocates committed to saving the planet and the people who depend on it, Senior Attorney at Earthjustice is the best job on the planet. Learn more about our Senior Attorney careers and work online here: https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/senior-attorney.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following online via the Jobvite system:  

  • Resume.
  • One to two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) Why you are drawn to this position and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you, and (2) Aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues.
  • Writing sample that reflects your own legal analysis and writing (i.e., not jointly written with other people).

We are seeking someone who can join our team with urgency. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by January 5, 2025. After that, applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position. 

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
  

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