Associate Attorney, International Program
San Francisco, CA
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, Los Angeles, Tallahassee, Miami, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, and Washington, DC.
Earthjustice is now accepting applications for an associate attorney to join our International Program, located in San Francisco, CA. The International Program works with public interest and community groups around the world to establish, strengthen, and enforce national and international legal protections for the environment and public health. Core focus areas of Earthjustice’s international efforts include combating climate change, reducing the world’s dependence on coal-fired power and promoting clean energy in its stead, building marine resilience to ocean acidification, and promoting citizen participation in environmental protection. At the heart of our work is the principle—which we were the first organization to advocate internationally—that all people have a right to a healthy and sustainable environment.
The Associate Attorney program comprises a two-year position with a possible extension for a third year. This program is designed to help attorneys develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation. Many associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice or with other public interest organizations.
Responsibilities:
The Associate Attorney will generally work collaboratively with senior Earthjustice attorneys, but is expected to work more independently over time. Associate attorneys perform a range of litigation and advocacy-related tasks that can include:
· Conducting factual investigations and legal research, and preparing memoranda on issues relating to ongoing or potential new cases.
· Drafting motions, briefs, and other pleadings.
· Participating in proceedings before federal and international courts and tribunals.
· Working with clients and experts, and learning how to handle press work.
· Hiring and supervising law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks.
Qualifications:
- Law school graduate admitted to, or willing to apply for admission to, the California State Bar.
- Up to 7 years of experience.
- Excellent research, analytic, writing and communication skills.
- Strong work ethic, initiative, sound yet creative judgment.
- Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented atmosphere.
- Commitment to public interest work and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.
- Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
- Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
- Knowledge of environmental and international law is a plus.
- The ability to speak Spanish or other foreign languages is a plus.
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.
Application Procedure:
Interested candidates should submit:
· Resume.
· One or two page cover letter that addresses each of the following: 1) aspects of your background 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 has not been edited by anyone else.
· Law school transcript.
· List of three references.
The hiring committee will begin reviewing applications after July 10, 2017. The position will remain open until filled.
Click here to apply:
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.
