Earthjustice is seeking a Staff Attorney with community lawyering experience to join its Florida Regional Office in Miami.  Filling the position will build our capacity to represent communities in Florida and the Southeast region that bear disproportionate environmental burdens. 

Earthjustice is the nation’s 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 those who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment for all.  Our headquarters are in San Francisco with thirteen offices across the U.S., including the Florida Regional Office with locations in Miami and Tallahassee. 

Our healthy communities work is at the heart of Earthjustice’s mission to defend the right of all people to a healthy environment.  This encompasses work on clean air, clean water, toxic chemicals, pesticides and waste facilities.  The attorney selected for this position will focus on local enforcement, litigation and other legal advocacy driven by the concerns of communities and partners in the region, particularly in South Florida.  For more information on Earthjustice’s Healthy Communities program, click here.   This position will be based in the Florida Regional Office, in Miami.  The Staff Attorney will collaborate with Florida staff in both Miami and Tallahassee on the office’s other environmental litigation as needed.  To learn more about the Florida Regional Office, click here. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help expand our outreach to and partnerships with community-based groups.
• Coordinate community-based environmental advocacy with national strategies and litigation in other program areas.
• Develop new cases in a strategic fashion; conduct factual investigations; develop legal theories; draft pleadings and briefs; and otherwise manage new and existing cases in state or federal courts and administrative tribunals.
• Collaborate in team problem solving, litigation strategy, project management and trial work.
• Supervise the work of more junior lawyers, interns and litigation assistants.
• Manage relationships with outside co-counsel, clients and coalition partners.
• Integrate communications and legislative advocacy into litigation and other legal strategies.
• Support efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lawyer with at least six years of litigation experience who is admitted, or willing to apply for admission, to the Florida bar.
• A commitment to public interest work and a passion for Earthjustice’s mission.
• Experience working with or representing community-based or other grassroots groups.
• Proven research, analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Initiative, good judgment, and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to travel as needed for case work, court appearances and presentations.
• Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
• Commitment to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work 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.  People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY

• Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission 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, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that primarily reflects your work.
• List of three references.

If you cannot attach one or more of the requested documents because of a technical difficulty, please email jobs@earthjustice.org.

Please, no phone calls, hard copies, or drop-ins.

 

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.