Associate Attorney, International

Earthjustice•San Francisco, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 safeguard the human right to a healthy environment and speed the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy in key countries around the world. 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. 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. The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the opportunity for extension. Many Associates have gone on to other more senior positions within Earthjustice or have joined other public interest organizations. The Associate Attorney program is designed to help attorneys who are in the early stages of their careers to develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation. 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. This is a hybrid position based preferably in our San Francisco office and requires regular in-person attendance.

Requirements

Law school graduate admitted to, or qualified and willing to apply for admission to, 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.

Nice To Haves

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
Professional fluency in a language other than English

Responsibilities

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.