Earthjustice is seeking a staff attorney with substantial community lawyering experience to join its Northeast regional office in New York City. Filling the position will build our capacity to represent communities in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania that face negative 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 talented and dedicated attorneys who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with nine offices across the U.S.

The Healthy Communities program is at the heart of Earthjustice’s mission to defend the right of all people to a healthy environment. This program encompasses work on clean air, clean water, toxic chemicals, pesticides, and waste facilities, as well as related domestic and international issues. The attorney selected for this position will focus on local enforcement litigation and other legal advocacy driven by the concerns of communities and partners within our region. The staff attorney would be located in New York City.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help expand our place-based engagement, work and partnerships with community-based groups.
• Conduct factual investigations and develop legal theories for possible advocacy or litigation work; draft pleadings and briefs; and otherwise manage new and existing cases in state or federal courts and administrative tribunals.
• Advise other regional office lawyers in the conduct of effective community-based legal work.
• Supervise the work of more junior lawyers, interns, and litigation assistants.
• Manage relationships with outside co-counsel, clients, and coalition partners.
• Coordinate community-based environmental health work with national strategies and litigation in other program areas.
• Integrate communications and legislative advocacy into litigation and other legal strategies.
• Support ongoing office work to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lawyer with at least six years of litigation experience, who is admitted, or will seek admission, to the NYS bar.
• Experience working with or representing community or grassroots groups.
• Experience in administrative and pre-trial proceedings; evidentiary hearings; and appellate litigation.
• Good research, analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• A commitment to public interest work and a passion for environmental justice.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Aware of and sensitive to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Interest in contributing 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. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY:

Using the Jobvite application tool, please submit:

• 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.

Applications will 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 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.