Senior Litigation Assistant, National Climate
Earthjustice seeks a full-time Senior Litigation Assistant join the National Climate Team. The successful applicant will provide both substantive and administrative support to our team of attorneys, who work to curb greenhouse gas emissions and protect communities by advancing rules, policies, and decisions to limit and prevent the federal permitting of climate-damaging infrastructure projects across the country.
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 guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. 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, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.
Earthjustice’s National Climate Team litigates and advocates in federal courts and before administrative agencies to achieve a swift and equitable shift away from fossil fuels and to curb the devastating effects of climate change. Our work includes opposing harmful fossil fuel infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas export terminals, and advocating for stricter federal permitting standards for fossil fuel projects and more careful review of the need for and harmful impacts of these projects. The team focuses on the federal energy regulatory process, which involves advocacy and litigation before federal agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, and the Army Corps of Engineers, and federal courts.
This is a hybrid position that will be based out of the office approximately 2 days per week. Washington, D.C., New York, NY, Chicago, IL and San Francsico, CA are the preferred locations for this role.
Responsibilities:
Senior Litigation Assistants in the National Climate Team provide administrative and litigation support services in a variety of federal and state venues. Tasks may include but are not limited to the following:
- Preparing and editing documents for filing, including: proofreading, cite-checking, Bluebooking, formatting, producing tables of contents and authorities, assembling exhibits, etc.
- Filing and serving paper and electronic filings.
- Ensuring all court rules are being followed.
- Creating, organizing, and maintaining case files and contacts.
- Computing and calendaring court deadlines.
- Assisting in the collection, processing, and review of incoming document productions, such as administrative records, including use of an eDiscovery software platform.
- Drafting basic pleadings and other case-related documents under attorney supervision, such as: motions, declarations, proposed orders, cover letters, FOIA requests, pro hac vice applications, etc.
- Conducting factual and legal research under attorney supervision.
- Creating and maintaining guidance documents to support and improve our litigation practice and program work
- Communicating with courts, clients, experts, opposing counsel, and other external parties.
- Supporting attorney admissions and registrations in the venues where we practice.
- Tracking relevant dockets and issues related to the work of the National Climate Team practice via the Federal Register, agency web sites, various distribution lists, media outlets, etc.
- Participating in conference calls and meetings with partners inside and outside the organization.
- General case-related administrative assistance (hard copies, correspondence, file management, tracking case updates).
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- at least two years of paralegal or litigation assistant experience (including state or federal litigation support)
- proficiency with Adobe Acrobat and MS Office applications
- experience managing client relationships and communicating directly with clients preferred
- experience using a document management system and eDiscovery software is a plus
- Interest in and knowledge of environmental, social justice, or public interest issues relevant to Earthjustice’s mission.
- Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
- Commitment to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
- A highly reliable team player who will take ownership of tasks that range from the mundane to the intellectually challenging.
- A can-do attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to high performance standards.
- Excellent research, writing, and computer skills.
- The ability to stay organized, set priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and function calmly under pressure.
- The ability to work effectively with different teams, including with remote staff, and to maintain confidential information.
- The ability to work for extended periods on the computer as needed to meet filing deadlines, including occasional evening and weekend work.
Compensation:
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. We also offer a congenial, flexible, hybrid work environment and a casual dress code. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Salary depends on experience and location. This reflects our FY27 salary.
Salary range in New York City & San Francisco: $88,600 - $98,400
Salary range in Washington DC & Chicago: $84,200 - $93,500
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit:
- Resume
- One- or two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission, (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence and interest to work with a diverse group of colleagues and clients.
Application must be received by May 26, 2026. Professional references will be collected for finalist candidates later in the process.
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 given 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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