Associate Attorney, Community Partnerships Program

We are accepting applications for an Associate Attorney to join the Community Partnerships Program in New York City. The associate attorney will join our work that prioritizes frontline communities who are burdened with the most pollution and environmental harms while being excluded from environmental benefits provided to other communities. We work with community leaders to challenge the environmental and social status quo, helping communities change the conditions in which they live. The ideal candidate will join our team by January 2024. 

Earthjustice is the 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, 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 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. 

The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the opportunity for extension.  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 skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation.  As Associate Attorneys gain experience, they gradually take on more independent responsibility for their cases but work throughout their tenure under the supervision of Senior Attorneys, the Deputy Managing Attorney, and the Managing Attorney.  Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations.  

Responsibilities: 

Associate attorneys perform a range of work, in partnership with senior attorneys and professional staff, to investigate, develop, and prosecute administrative appeals and litigation including: factual investigation, legal research, case development, record review, client engagement and development, expert evidence and witness development, motions practice and brief writing, oral advocacy, and appellate advocacy. 

As associate attorneys gain experience, their case load may include cases for which they have primary responsibility under the supervision of a senior attorney, in addition to matters on which they work in a supporting role with senior attorneys. Specific responsibilities include: 

Working closely with Earthjustice attorneys, scientists, professional staff, and clients to build cases and support policies that serve a diverse set of clients.  

• Participating in the full range of tasks involved in administrative advocacy and litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, memo writing, discovery, briefing, and oral advocacy. 
• Participating in cultivating relationships with new clients, allies, 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. 
• Representing Earthjustice on telephone calls and at meetings with clients, partners, co-counsel, and experts. 
• Developing skills required to serve as spokesperson in media. 
• Assisting with hiring and supervision of student law clerks and externs.  

Required Qualifications: 

• Law school graduate with 1-5 years of legal experience 
• Admitted to, or eligible for admission to, the New York Bar and New Jersey Bar
• Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills
• Strong and demonstrated work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity 
• Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment
• Commitment to serving the public interest and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission
• Legal or non-legal experience supporting communities working to overcome injustice is a plus; 
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations 
• Ability and desire to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences 
• High levels of emotional intelligence 
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed, including for case work, court appearances, and meetings with clients and partners 
• Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. We also offer a congenial work environment and a casual dress code.  As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. 

Salary depends on experience and location. This role is in New York and is in-office hybrid. As an organization, we have committed to at most 2 times a week and at least 3 times a month in office. The Community Partnerships Team in New York usually comes into the office twice a week. 

Salary range in New York City: $102,300 - $131,900 

To Apply: 

Interested applicants should submit the following via Jobvite by September 5, 2023: 

• Resume. 
• One-page cover letter that addresses why you would like to serve as an associate attorney for our community-based work: 
• aspects of your background that are relevant to the qualifications listed above; and 
• why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you. 
• Writing sample no longer than 12 pages, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that primarily reflects your work. 
• Law school transcript. 
• List of three professional references. 

For this position, we are looking to hire a candidate who is available to start in January 2024. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by September 5, 2023. 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. 

Salary : $102,300 - $131,900