Associate Attorney, Community Partnerships Program

Earthjustice

12d•$108,200 - $120,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Earthjustice seeks an associate attorney to join its Community Partnership Program (CPP), which collaborates with frontline communities that bear a disproportionate burden of pollution and environmental harms. The program supports community groups in their efforts to alter the environmental and social status quo, empowering them to improve their living conditions. Associate attorneys will work closely with affected communities on various environmental matters, including hazardous waste and toxic air pollution. This role is based in the CPP in Los Angeles, with collaboration expected with CPP teams in New York and Washington, D.C. Earthjustice is the premier environmental law organization in the nation, utilizing legal power to partner with clients on critical environmental fights. These include protecting biodiversity, combating climate change by transitioning to clean energy, and ensuring everyone's right to a healthy environment. Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a proven history of securing significant and enduring environmental protections by hiring individuals passionate about justice and environmental health. The organization has its headquarters in San Francisco and additional offices in several other cities across the U.S. The Associate Attorney position is a three-year term, with the possibility of extension, aimed at developing early-career attorneys into skilled public interest litigators proficient in all phases of litigation. While Associates gradually assume more independent case responsibilities, they remain under the supervision of Senior Attorneys, Deputy Managing Attorneys, or the Managing Attorney throughout their tenure. Many former Associates have advanced to other roles within Earthjustice and other public interest organizations. This is a hybrid position based in the Los Angeles office, requiring in-person attendance.

Requirements

Law school graduate admitted to the California State Bar (or awaiting July 2026 CA Bar results)
0-3 years of post-law school legal experience
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 constructively and in a highly professional manner in a diverse, dynamic, and hard-working team-oriented atmosphere
Commitment to public interest work and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission
Emotional intelligence and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals associated with diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations
Ability and willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, and presentations

Nice To Haves

Recent law school graduates will be considered.

Responsibilities

Investigate, develop, and prosecute administrative appeals and litigation in partnership with senior attorneys and professional staff.
Conduct factual investigation, legal research, case development, and record review.
Engage with and develop clients.
Develop expert evidence and witnesses.
Handle motions practice and brief writing.
Perform oral advocacy and appellate advocacy.
Take primary responsibility for cases under the supervision of a senior attorney as experience grows.
Support senior attorneys on other matters.
Conduct legal and factual research and prepare memoranda on issues related to ongoing or potential new cases.
Review and analyze administrative records and technical documents.
Draft motions, briefs, and other legal and factual documents in support of litigation.
Participate in proceedings before federal and state courts and agencies.
Work with clients and experts, and learn how to handle press work.
Hire and supervise law students working as interns or clerks.