Description:

We are seeking an Associate Attorney to conduct legal advocacy, including litigation and administrative advocacy, with the California Regional Office. The hybrid work position requires 0-3 years post-law school legal experience. The attorney selected for this position will play a key role in legal actions that can make a real difference to people's health and well-being and protect important environmental values.

The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the possibility of an additional three years as a Senior Associate Attorney. Earthjustice's Associate Attorney program is designed to help attorneys who are in the early stages of their careers develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation and administrative advocacy. The level of duties and responsibilities for an Associate Attorney will vary depending on experience. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations.

Responsibilities:
Associate Attorneys perform a range of work, in partnership with Senior Attorneys and professional staff, to investigate, develop, and pursue litigation in court and advocacy before administrative agencies.

As Associate Attorneys gain experience, their dockets may include cases for which they have primary responsibility under the supervision of a Senior Attorney in addition to matters on which they work in a supporting role with Senior Attorneys. Specific responsibilities include:

Working closely with Earthjustice attorneys, scientists, professional staff, and clients to build cases and support policies that serve a diverse set of clients.
Participating in the full range of tasks involved in litigation and administrative advocacy, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, memo writing, negotiation, discovery, briefing, and oral advocacy.
Participating in cultivating relationships with new clients, allies, and coalition partners.
Integrating communications and legislative advocacy into litigation and other legal strategies.
Supporting efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
Representing Earthjustice at remote and in-person meetings with clients, partners, co-counsel, and experts.
Developing skills required to serve as spokesperson in media.
Participating in hiring and supervision of student law clerks and externs.?

Required Qualifications:

Law school graduate with 0-3 years of legal experience and admitted to, or willing and eligible to apply for admission to, the California State Bar.
Strong research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
Strong and demonstrated work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity.
Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well collegially.
Commitment to serving the public interest and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.
Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Ability and desire to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
High level of emotional intelligence.
Ability and willingness to travel as needed, including for case work, court appearances, and meetings with clients and partners.
Legal or non-legal experience supporting communities working to overcome injustice a plus.