Job Description

Earthjustice is now accepting applications for a Staff Attorney to join our growing team of lawyers working to advance clean energy solutions and speed the transition from dirty fossil fuels in the United States and around the world. The attorney will have two areas of focus: (i) domestic litigation and legal advocacy primarily before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and in the courts to remove market barriers to a transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy infrastructure, and avoid unreasonable subsidization of coal-fired generation; and (ii) international work with foreign NGOs and governments to develop regulatory frameworks for – and to remove obstacles to – the accelerated deployment of clean energy abroad.

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, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, Miami and Washington, DC.

Earthjustice has a longstanding track record of success with our US and foreign litigation and advocacy to reduce dependence on dirty fossil fuels and increase reliance on clean energy resources, including energy efficiency, solar, wind, demand response, and storage. Our Clean Energy Program advocates for policies and infrastructure that support a swift transition to a modern sustainable energy system. Our International Program works with partners in South Africa, South Asia, Australia, Indonesia, and Latin America in domestic and international legal advocacy to reduce dependence on dirty fossil fuels and increase reliance on clean energy resources.

The position will be housed in our Clean Energy Program, which is based in Washington, DC, and will collaborate closely with our San Francisco-based International Program. For that reason, it is our strong preference that the position be based in DC, but we might consider San Francisco in exceptional circumstances.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with foreign and US partners to develop litigation and legal advocacy strategies to support program goals.
• Conduct legal advocacy before wholesale electricity market operators
• Litigate cases from beginning to end, performing all aspects of litigation.
• Supervise the work of associate attorneys.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with US and foreign allies, co-counsel, clients and coalition partners in support of program goals.
• Serve as spokesperson for client partners and for Earthjustice.
• Work effectively with other departments within Earthjustice, including Communications, Development, and Policy and Legislation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.
• A minimum of six years of litigation experience.
• Licensed to practice law in the US jurisdiction in which the attorney will be located, or a willingness to apply for membership within one year of employment.
• Excellent litigation skills, including top-notch legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Initiative, good judgment, and a strong work ethic.
• Knowledge of and experience in energy law and clean energy issues, is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience in foreign law, particularly energy or climate change law, and in working with foreign partners, governments and legal systems, is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in working with technical experts.
• Ability to develop and lead litigation
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with client partners and staff.
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with US and foreign community-based or other grassroots groups interested in energy litigation and other advocacy.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Commitment to serving the public interest.
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse and non-US cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
• Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce and culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

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. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Interested applicants should submit a:

• Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) why you are drawn to this position and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; and (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues.
• Writing sample that reflects your own legal analysis and writing ( i.e. , not jointly written with or edited by other people). 
• List of three references.

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 .

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