Associate Attorney, International Program

Earthjustice is now accepting applications for an associate attorney to join our San Francisco-based International Program.  The Associate Attorney will support and collaborate with our team of lawyers and scientists working to speed the transition from dirty fossil fuels to clean energy solutions in key countries around the world.  This position will begin ideally in October 2022. There is a strong preference that the position be based in San Francisco, but we will consider New York City in exceptional circumstances. 

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.

Our international work draws on our deep experience in foreign, US and international environmental, energy, and human rights law and litigation.  With partners in Africa, Australia, Europe, Indonesia, Latin America, and elsewhere, we collaborate on foreign and international legal advocacy to reduce dependence on dirty fossil fuels and speed the transition to clean 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.

Earthjustice has temporarily transitioned staff to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff are currently working two days a week in the office under a hybrid work plan, which will be reevaluated and adjusted on an ongoing basis. We will conduct all interviews for this position via phone and videoconferencing.

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.
• Conduct legal and factual research and preparing memoranda on issues related to ongoing or potential new cases.
• Review and analyze administrative records and technical documents.
• Draft motions, briefs, and other legal and factual documents in support of litigation.
• Participate in proceedings before federal and international courts and tribunals.
• Work with partner organizations, clients, and experts from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and legal backgrounds.
• 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.
• Knowledge of environmental or international law, experience working in a country other than the United States strongly preferred.
• Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and initiative, and sound yet creative judgment.
• Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.
• Commitment to public interest work and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented atmosphere.
• Ability and desire to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences. Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Professional fluency in Spanish, Indonesian, French, or Portuguese highly desired; other languages also welcome.

Salary depends on experience and location.

Salary range in San Francisco, CA or New York City: $92,700-121,000

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.

To Apply:  

Interested candidates should submit via Jobvite:

• Resume
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses: 1) aspects of your experience that are relevant to the qualifications listed above; 2) why you are drawn to the work of Earthjustice’s International Program and whether there are particular legal, environmental or justice issues that inspire you; and 3) how your time at Earthjustice would contribute to your career aspirations;
• Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that is either unedited or only lightly edited by someone other than you. Unless unedited, please include a cover sheet explaining the extent of editing by someone else;
• 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 October 2022. Please apply by August 7, 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.