Senior Attorney, Washington DC Regional Office

The Washington, D.C. office serves both as a center for litigation on important national environmental issues and a regional office for issues arising in Mid-Atlantic States. The office’s docket currently includes litigation and administrative advocacy to curb climate change pollution, protect clean air and water, promote a transition to zero emission energy sources, and secure strong energy efficiency standards for the nation.  A significant focus of our public health work is preventing environmental harms to children, disproportionately impacted communities of color, and low-income communities. For more information about the office’s work, visit http://earthjustice.org/about/offices/dc.

Earthjustice is the nation’s leading environmental law organization. Wielding the power of law, Earthjustice partners with our clients to take on the most critical fights of our time—fights to protect the incredible biodiversity and wild places of the planet; to avert climate disaster by transitioning society away from fossil fuels toward clean energy; to safeguard the right of all people to a healthy environment. 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 people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

This position is centered in our Washington, D.C. Office and requires regular in-person attendance there.  

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead and conduct complex litigation in federal and state courts.

• Manage new and existing cases from start to finish.

• Conduct and supervise advocacy before federal agencies, state and local governments, and courts as warranted.

• Coordinate the development and execution of non-litigation advocacy strategies in collaboration with attorneys, policy staff and communications staff as appropriate.

• Supervise the work of Associate Attorneys, Scientists, Researchers, Paralegals, and Law Clerks.

• Develop and manage relationships with co-counsel and diverse range of clients, partners, and impacted community members.

• Work effectively with other departments within Earthjustice, including Communications, Development, Operations, and Policy and Legislation.

• Collaborate with and oversee the work of outside professional experts.

• Serve as spokesperson for Earthjustice in concert with clients and partners.

• Join other staff in long-term planning, strategy development, goal setting, and workplan management that advances a collective vision for future DC Office work.

• Participate as an active member of a learning and mentorship culture and engage with colleagues in a manner that is respectful, professional, and supportive.

• Participate actively in organizational and office-specific efforts to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, and personally engage with colleagues, clients, and partners in a manner that is consistent with those efforts.

 Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD) required.

• Admitted or eligible to waive in for admission to the District of Columbia Bar.

• A minimum of seven years of litigation experience, and the ability to litigate cases from beginning to end, independently if necessary.

• Knowledge of, and experience in, environmental and administrative law is preferred.

• Experience with advocacy at the state or local level is a plus.

• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

• Initiative, good judgment, a collegial work style and a strong work ethic.

• Ability to manage a litigation and advocacy docket effectively, lead litigation and advocacy teams, and work independently where necessary.

• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community-based or other grassroots groups.

• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, presentations, staff meetings, and conferences.

• Willingness to help the office recruit, hire, develop, and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce.

• Willingness and ability to effectively supervise and mentor early career staff and help foster an inclusive and nurturing work environment.

• Commitment to serving the public interest and Earthjustice’s mission.

• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.

Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by experience level and location.

Salary in Washington, DC: $163,600+ 

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. 

For litigators and advocates committed to saving the planet and the people who depend on it, being a Senior Attorney at Earthjustice is the best job on the planet. Learn more about our Senior Attorney careers and work online here: https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/senior-attorney  

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Resume.

• One to two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) Why you are drawn to this position 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 that reflects your own legal analysis and writing (i.e., not jointly written with other people).

Preference will be given to candidates who apply by October 27, 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 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.

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