Associate Attorney, International - Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund

San Francisco, CA

About the Job

Earthjustice seeks an associate attorney to join our International Program.  The Associate Attorney will support and collaborate with our team of lawyers and scientists working to speed the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy in key countries around the world. 

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization.  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 around the world. We partner with thousands of groups, 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.  

Like the environment itself, Earthjustice’s work transcends national borders. Since 1991, our International Program has been partnering with organizations around the world to establish, strengthen, and enforce national and international legal protections for the environment and human health. Drawing on deep experience in environmental, energy, and human rights law and litigation, we work with partners on foreign and international legal advocacy to reduce dependence on dirty fossil fuels and speed the transition to clean energy in Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Latin America, and elsewhere. Learn about some of the places where we work around the world.

The associate attorney position is a three-year position with the opportunity for extension based on performance. 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.  The International Program primarily works to support our partner organizations in public interest litigation and advocacy in various jurisdictions outside of the United States. Associate attorneys in the International Program do not represent clients directly in litigation in these foreign jurisdictions but will have a broad exposure to different advocacy strategies and styles. As associate attorneys gain experience, they gradually take on more independent responsibility but work throughout their tenure under the supervision of senior attorneys and the managing attorney. Many associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations. More about our associate attorney program can be found here. 

Responsibilities

Associate attorneys in the International Program perform a range of tasks to support our partners’ litigation and advocacy strategies, including:

Conducting legal, policy, and factual research, often on issues of international and foreign law.
Preparing memoranda in support of partner organization work in foreign jurisdictions.
Reviewing and analyzing administrative records, scientific reports, policy research, and technical documents related to fossil fuel and clean energy infrastructure.
Drafting motions, briefs, administrative comments, and other legal and factual documents in support of litigation or administrative proceedings.
Working with partner organizations, lawyers, and experts from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and legal backgrounds.
Participating in communications about our work, such as drafting blog posts or press releases.
Hiring and supervising law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks.

Qualifications

Law school graduate admitted to, or qualified and willing to apply for admission to, the California State Bar or the Bar in the state in which they will be located.
0-5 years of experience post law school.
Experience or interest in issues related to fossil fuel extraction and infrastructure, energy law and policy, and climate change.
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.
Ability to work well in a team-oriented atmosphere.
Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Willingness to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
Ability to thrive in a hybrid office setting combining in-office and remote work and, for a candidate not located in San Francisco, a willingness to travel to San Francisco periodically to work with the team.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of environmental and/or international law; experience working in a country other than the United States or learning about foreign or international legal systems; and professional fluency in a language other than English.

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. 

Compensation is based on experience and location.  Most of the International Program team is based in San Francisco and we have a strong preference for the associate attorney to be in San Francisco where they can benefit from in-person mentorship and professional development. Exceptional candidates who desire to work from another Earthjustice office location will also be considered.

San Francisco, CA salary range: $94,900 - $131,900

*In the exceptional case a person is located elsewhere, the salary range will be based on experience and location

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a:

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 has not been edited by anyone else; and
Law school transcript.

Earthjustice brings our associate attorneys on board on a quarterly schedule, during the months of January, April, June, and September.  We are looking to hire a candidate who is available to start in June 2024. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by April 21, 2024. After that, applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.   

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 given 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.

Source : Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund