Associate Attorney, Clean Energy

over 1 year ago
Full time role
San Francisco, CA, US... more
San Francisco, CA, US... more

Company

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We ...

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Job Description

The Clean Energy Program at Earthjustice seeks applications for an Associate Attorney to join our team of lawyers and advocates who are working to advance a just and equitable clean energy transformation. The position will be based preferably in our Washington, D.C., San Francisco or Philadelphia offices, although applicants seeking to work in other locations where Earthjustice has an office will also be considered. 

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 is in San Francisco. 

Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program litigates and advocates in state and federal courts and before energy regulators across the country to advance an equitable clean energy transition. Our work includes efforts to scale up and increase access to clean energy resources, including energy efficiency, solar, wind, demand response, and storage; advance electrification and a modern, resilient grid; and oppose efforts to further invest in fossil fuel generation and infrastructure (including new gas plants). The Associate Attorney position will focus in significant part on our federal energy regulatory practice, which involves advocacy and litigation before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, regional transmission organizations/independent system operators, and federal appellate courts. Ultimately, this work aims to eliminate barriers to clean energy adoption in wholesale power markets and to secure policies and practices that support a transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. 

The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position, with the potential for an extension, 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. As Associate Attorneys gain experience, they gradually take on more independent responsibility for their cases. For this position, the Associate Attorney will report directly to the Deputy Managing Attorney, but work throughout their tenure under the supervision of other attorneys within the clean energy program. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations.  

Responsibilities: 

The level of duties and responsibilities for an Associate Attorney will vary depending on experience. However, among other responsibilities, the Associate should be able to: 

  • Work closely with other program staff and clients to investigate, develop, and litigate cases. 
  • Participate in the full range of tasks involved in litigation and regulatory advocacy, including factual and legal research; discovery; drafting briefs, comments, petitions, and other filings; and oral advocacy. 
  • Engage in proceedings or other advocacy opportunities before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, public utility commissions, and other administrative tribunals or agencies. 
  • Appear in state or federal court under the supervision of a more senior attorney. 
  • Participate in cultivating relationships with new clients, allies, and coalition partners. 
  • Interact with clients, coalition partners, and experts, and learn how to handle media work. 
  • Integrate communications and legislative advocacy into litigation and other legal strategies. 
  • Participate in the hiring process and supervise law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks. 
  • Support efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences. 

Qualifications: 

  • Law school graduates who are admitted, or willing to apply for admission, to the state bar where they are located. 
  • 0-5 years of post-graduate litigation, legal, and/or clerkship experience. 
  • Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills. 
  • Strong work ethic and initiative, and sound yet creative judgment. 
  • Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others. 
  • Willingness to travel as needed. 
  • Commitment to serving the public interest and a strong desire to fight for a just and equitable clean energy future. 
  • Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations. 
  • Willingness to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences. 
  • Willingness to contribute to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce 

Salary depends on experience and location. 
This salary has been updated to reflect FY23 rates. 

Salary range in San Francisco, CA: $92,700- $121,000 

Salary range in Philadelphia, PA: $83,400 - $108,900 

Salary range in Washington, D.C.: $88,100 - $115,000 


Please note that we adjust our salary structure each year, and as such your salary may increase on July 1, 2022 (based on board approval).

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. 

To Apply:  

Interested candidates should submit via Jobvite: 

  • Resume. 
  • One or two page cover letter explaining your interest in this position, what life experiences draw you to Earthjustice’s mission, and/or the skills you would bring to it. 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. 
  • Law school transcript. 
  • List of three references. 

For this position, we are looking to hire a candidate that is available to start in no later than September 2022. Please apply by May 30, 2022. After that, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  

Earthjustice brings our associate attorneys on board on a quarterly schedule during the months of January, April, June and September. 

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 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. 

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