Description:
Position SummaryThe Senior Counsel for Environmental Justice will litigate cases, develop case strategies, advise clients, supervise junior attorneys and staff, and work with state and federal policymakers to improve environmental justice outcomes for communities across the South.
Responsibilities include:
- Litigating cases in state and federal courts, including developing and implementing case strategy, conducting legal and fact-finding research, drafting pleadings, briefs, and other documents, conducting discovery and depositions, and representing clients in court and administrative proceedings.
- Meeting with clients to ensure program projects and priorities are consistently responsive to community-driven need.
- Managing multidisciplinary matters, including developing and implementing project plans involving and leveraging SCSJ's research and communications teams.
- Building SCSJ's Environmental Justice program by combating community contamination, addressing zoning & land use issues, promoting energy equity, and advancing climate justice & resilience.
- Expanding and deepening Environmental Justice program's network by attending community events and conferences related to environmental justice in the South.
- Supporting partner organizations and community-led coalitions.
- A J.D. or L.L.M from an ABA-accredited law school
- Extensive experience (min. 5 years) serving as the primary attorney at all stages of litigation, including discovery, hearing, and trial preparation
- Excellent communication skills and experience fostering client relationships
- Extensive and effective settlement and negotiation experience
- Strong affinity and capability for mentoring newer attorneys
- Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic and sense of initiative
- A vision for the continued growth of SCSJ's Environmental Justice program
- An unwavering commitment to SCSJ's work and community-based lawyering model
- A valid driver's license and personal vehicle, as the position can involve frequent local travel.
- Admitted or eligible for admission to practice law in at least one state in SCSJ's service region
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
- In-depth familiarity with state and/or federal environmental statutes and regulatory implementation, including litigation experience, in one or more of the following subject areas:
- Clean air permitting and enforcement
- Water quality, water pollution, and/or water rights
- Utilities Commission proceedings and/or clean energy topics
- Tribal sovereignty issues
- Solid and hazardous waste management
- Common law property and environmental torts
- Zoning and land use or other urban policy or rural development education or experience
- Civil Rights
- Facility with e-discovery
- Appellate litigation experience
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice, civil rights, and/or environmental justice work
- Spanish or other second language proficiency is a plus.
This is a full-time position. Starting dates are negotiable. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.