Earthjustice Careers

Earthjustice seeks an Associate Attorney to join our growing team of lawyers who work to accelerate a shift from coal- and gas-fired electricity generation, and to advance clean energy throughout the country.  The Associate Attorney will reside in our Clean Energy Program, focusing on litigation, advocacy and strategy before state public utility commissions, administrative bodies, and in courts in support of an equitable transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The work will include combatting fossil-fuel-fired generation, with a focus on emerging climate threats in the near-term that could jeopardize progress toward a clean energy future.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups to engage on the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. 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 people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters is in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee, and Washington, D.C.

The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the opportunity for extension. Many Associates have gone on to other more senior positions within Earthjustice or have joined other public interest organizations. The Associate Attorney program is designed to help attorneys who are in the early stages of their careers to develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation.

Earthjustice understands that attracting, developing, and retaining attorneys whose backgrounds represent our nation’s rich diversity makes us more effective and is integral to our values of excellence, partnership, justice, and inclusion.

Our goal is to produce the highest quality legal work in a diverse, inclusive, supportive, and collegial environment.

The Associate Attorney position will be based in one of the Clean Energy Program’s home offices: New York, NY; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; or Los Angeles, CA office. The team works on a hybrid schedule.

Responsibilities

Associate Attorneys perform a range of work, in partnership with senior attorneys and professional staff, to investigate, develop, and prosecute administrative appeals and litigation including: factual investigation, legal research, case development, record review, client engagement and development, expert evidence and witness development, motions practice and brief writing, oral advocacy, and appellate advocacy.

As Associate Attorneys gain experience, their case load may include cases for which they have primary responsibility under the supervision of a senior attorney, in addition to matters on which they work in a supporting role with senior attorneys.  Specific responsibilities include:

• Work closely with Earthjustice attorneys and professional staff to investigate, develop and advance litigation and administrative advocacy that serves a diverse set of clients.
• Participating in the full range of tasks involved in energy advocacy and litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, memo and brief writing, expert testimony, hearings and more.
• Engaging in proceedings before state and federal courts, public utility commissions, and other administrative tribunals. Representing Earthjustice at remote and in-person venues and meetings with clients, partners, co-counsel, opposing counsel, technical experts, and agency staff.
• Prepare comments on proposed agency actions, permits, and environmental review documents.
• Supporting efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• Developing skills required to serve as a spokesperson to media.
• Participating in hiring and supervision of student law clerks and externs.
• With appropriate training, serve as spokesperson with print and other media.
• Assist with hiring and supervision of student law clerks.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Required
• Licensed to practice law in the US jurisdiction in which the attorney will be located, or a willingness and qualifications to apply for membership within fourteen months of employment.
• 2-5 years of litigation and legal advocacy experience, with energy advocacy experience preferred. 
• Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong and demonstrated work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, and presentations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse set of clients and partner organizations. 
• High level of emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations. 
• Ability and desire to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• Commitment to public interest work and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission, including a desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment. 

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.

Compensation is based on experience and location.
Salary range in New York, NY; San Francisco, CA: $117,000 - $131,900
Salary range in Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL: $111,200 - $125,300
Salary range in Philadelphia, PA: $105,300 - $118,700

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit via Jobvite:

• Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter explaining your interest in this position; what draws you to Earthjustice’s mission; and the aspects of your background that are relevant to the qualifications listed above. Please also indicate the Earthjustice office location(s) where you would prefer to work. 
• Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that primarily reflects your work. Please include a cover sheet explaining the extent of editing by someone else.

Applications from candidates graduating from law school in 2024 will not be considered.

We are looking to hire a candidate who is available to start between September 2024 and January 2025.

Preference will be given to candidates who apply by August 11, 2024. 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.

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