Associate General Counsel / Counsel
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, supporters, individuals and communities to engage 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 are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Juneau, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tallahassee, Miami, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, and Washington, DC.
Earthjustice is seeking an attorney for its General Counsel’s Office, to provide a wide range of legal services and training to staff across the organization on compliance and other organizational issues associated with its 501(c)(4) organization (Earthjustice Action) general compliance support and counseling to program staff on a range of compliance issues, including privacy, SLAPP litigation and defense, ethics, conflicts, lobbying, other issues as assigned, and associated legal research. The position reports to Earthjustice’s Deputy General Counsel. Depending on the candidate's experience, the role may be a Counsel or Associate General Counsel.
The position can be remote in the U.S. or based at any one of Earthjustice’s offices. There may be occasional travel to Earthjustice regional offices or to other locations across the U.S. as necessary.
Responsibilities
(c)(4) Compliance (30%)
- Monitor and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations governing 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, including IRS requirements and relevant provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, including staying abreast of proposed changes and relevant case law.
- Oversee compliance campaign finance laws, lobbying disclosure requirements and political activity restrictions applicable to 501(c)(4) organizations.
- Develop, implement and maintain comprehensive compliance programs and policies specific to our affiliate’s (c)(4) operations.
- Assist with the review of required federal and state filings.
- Provide advice and guidance to (c)(4) leadership and staff on compliance matters related to advocacy campaigns, communications and organizational activities.
- Develop and conduct regular compliance training for staff and board members.
- Advise on risk assessments for new initiatives and programs.
- Review contracts, grants and partnership agreements related to affiliate’s (c)(4) operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Consult outside counsel on applicable rules when appropriate.
- Support the General Counsel and Deputy General counsel in managing risk and assuring compliance/best practice implementation associated with (c)(4)/(c)(3) requirements, including conducting research and drafting and benchmarking organizational policies.
- Other duties as assigned.
Program Legal Advice (30%):
- Work with the Deputy General Counsel and Senior Counsel, Lobbying and Compliance to advise Program staff on a range of issues, including conflicts, ethical compliance, litigation hold, program information management, and lobbying.
- Assist with the development of program guidance and policy relevant to program operations and activities, including the development of document templates and the benchmarking of those policies with those of peer organizations.
- Provide practical counsel to program staff on applicable legal requirements.
Privacy and Data Protection (20%):
- Help the Associate General Counsel lead organizational privacy compliance program, ensuring adherence to applicable federal and state privacy laws, and other emerging privacy regulations, including tracking evolving legislative and regulatory guidance.
- Develop and maintain privacy policies, procedures, notices, and trainings that reflect current legal requirements and best practices.
- Work with various teams around the organization to implement and monitor data protection protocols for data and other sensitive information.
Compliance (20%):
- Support the General Counsel and Deputy General counsel in managing risk and assuring compliance/best practice implementation at the organization on other topics as assigned.
- Stay current on relevant laws, case law, and regulations concerning SLAPP suit trends and defense strategies.
- Participate in relevant internal and external workgroups as appropriate.
- As needed, help select and supervise outside counsel; occasionally function as the client representative of Earthjustice.
- Conduct legal research on a variety of subjects, interpret laws, rulings and regulations and determine how they apply to Earthjustice.
- Prepare and deliver legal training tailored to the needs of the organization
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated experience with federal tax law applicable to tax-exempt organizations, particularly political activity limitations and social welfare requirements
- General understanding of corporate governance requirements for nonprofit organizations
- Ability to quickly grasp, research and assess a broad range of complex problems and present sensible solutions and alternatives
- Ability to summarize information and succinctly communicate analyses verbally and in writing to a range of internal clients
- Willingness to work with minimal support
- Strong attention to detail
- Demonstrated integrity, strong work ethic, and sound judgment
- Facility with developing collaborative relationships and managing and working with teams
- Strong ability to juggle multiple projects, prioritize, meet deadlines and see tasks through to completion
- Ability to leverage technology, particularly database or web-based information platforms
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Support for Earthjustice’s mission and advocacy-based approach to solving environmental problems
- High degree of emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations
Qualifications for Associate General Counsel
REQUIREMENTS:
- Admission to the state bar of applicant’s state of residence, with bar admission in good standing
- A minimum of 10 years of successful experience practicing law
- Comprehensive understanding of 501(c)(3) and (c)(4) organizations legal requirements, including applicable IRS rules governing social welfare organizations
- Significant experience with:
- Federal and state campaign finance laws, lobbying disclosure requirements and election laws
- U.S. privacy law framework, including federal and state privacy regulations
- Demonstrated success at leading projects in a law firm or legal department context
- Commitment to providing professional and timely legal advice and services to clients
- Excellent judgment and proven experience analyzing risks and making risk determinations
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate complex legal requirements to non-legal stakeholders
- Experience reviewing and negotiating agreements
- Client-focused and commitment to “getting to yes”
PREFERRED:
- Some litigation-based practice experience
- Knowledge of non-profit corporate law in the state of California and/or Washington D.C.
- Familiarity with Political Action Committees (PACs)
- Familiarity with international privacy frameworks (GDPR, etc.) and their impact on U.S. operations
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and their intersection with privacy requirements
- Experience contributing to training and organizational learning
- Experience with real estate law
- Experience drafting organizational policies and providing training
Qualifications for Counsel
REQUIREMENTS:
- Admission to the state bar of applicant’s state of residence, with bar admission in good standing
- At least 5 years of successful experience practicing law required
- Understanding of 501(c)(3) and (c)(4) organizations legal requirements, including applicable IRS rules governing social welfare organizations
- Some experience with:
- Federal and state campaign finance laws, lobbying disclosure requirements and election laws
- U.S. privacy law framework, including federal and state privacy regulation
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated success in a law firm or legal department context
- Commitment to providing professional and timely legal advice and services to clients
- Excellent judgment and experience analyzing risks
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
- Client-focused and commitment to “getting to yes”
PREFERRED:
- Some litigation-based practice experience
- Knowledge of non-profit corporate law in the state of California and/or Washington D.C.
- Familiarity with Political Action Committees (PACs)
- Experience with international privacy frameworks (GDPR, etc.)
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and their intersection with privacy requirements
- Experience reviewing and negotiating agreements
- Experience contributing to training and organizational learning
- Experience with real estate law
- Experience drafting organizational policies and providing training
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive.
Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by experience level and working location.
Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by experience level and working location.
Associate General Counsel Salary Ranges
Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY: $185,400-$206,000
Salary range in Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA: $176,100-$195,700
Salary range in Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA: $166,900-$185,400
Salary range in Miami, FL, Bozeman, MT, and New Orleans, LA: $157,600-$175,100
Remote salary range will vary between $157,660 - $206,000 depending on location.
Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY: $185,400-$206,000
Salary range in Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA: $176,100-$195,700
Salary range in Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA: $166,900-$185,400
Salary range in Miami, FL, Bozeman, MT, and New Orleans, LA: $157,600-$175,100
Remote salary range will vary between $157,660 - $206,000 depending on location.
Counsel Salary Ranges
Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY: $172,500-$191,700
Salary range in Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA: $164,000-$182,200
Salary range in Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA : $155,300-$172,600
Salary range in Miami, FL, Bozeman, MT, and New Orleans, LA: $146,700-$163,000
Remote salary range will vary between $146,700-$191,700 depending on location.
Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY: $172,500-$191,700
Salary range in Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA: $164,000-$182,200
Salary range in Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA : $155,300-$172,600
Salary range in Miami, FL, Bozeman, MT, and New Orleans, LA: $146,700-$163,000
Remote salary range will vary between $146,700-$191,700 depending on location.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following online via the Jobvite system by March 30th, 2025, to be considered:
- Resume
- Cover letter addressing which role you are applying for, Counsel or Associate General Counsel.
Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies. Earthjustice only accepts resumes submitted for positions that are currently open. Unsolicited resumes, or resumes for posted positions that are not submitted via the online application process (where available), will not be reviewed or retained.
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.
For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
#LI-Remote
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.
For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
#LI-Remote