Associate Attorney
About The Position
The Sierra Club Environmental Law Program seeks an associate attorney to begin work at the Sierra Club national headquarters in Oakland, California starting in September 2027. This position is intended for recent law school graduates and early-career attorneys. As part of the national Sierra Club’s legal team, the associate attorney helps coordinate all aspects of the Sierra Club’s legal work. Working with senior and staff attorneys, the associate attorney evaluates proposed environmental litigation and prepares formal written recommendations for the Sierra Club’s decision-makers; provides legal advice to Sierra Club chapters around the country; helps strategize and implement programmatic legal campaigns; and, during the associate’s second year, participates as counsel in select litigation matters aimed at advancing the Sierra Club’s national campaigns. The Environmental Law Program primarily directs legal strategy for the Sierra Club’s campaigns, including Beyond Coal, Beyond Dirty Fuels, Clean Transportation for All, and Conservation. We litigate cases and coordinate legal work among campaigns, state-level chapters, and partner coalitions. This full-time position may include work on some evenings and weekends when necessary to meet litigation deadlines.
Requirements
- Law school graduate by August or September 2027 admitted to or willing to apply for admission to the California Bar.
- 0+ years of post-law school legal experience by August or September 2027.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills. You are able to write clearly and effectively, and analyze complex legal issues.
- Strong interpersonal and consensus building skills. You are able to work collaboratively with clients and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds.
- Passion for the Sierra Club’s mission. You show a demonstrated commitment to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment.
- Basic knowledge of environmental law. You understand the key principles of environmental law.
- Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
- Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate proposed environmental litigation.
- Support national volunteer and staff leadership in deciding whether the Sierra Club should participate in formal legal matters.
- Oversee the Sierra Club’s litigation docket at a national level.
- Maintain a comprehensive view of active and potential lawsuits and assist in resolving issues as they arise in ongoing lawsuits.
- Support chapters pursuing legal tactics.
- Assist with chapters’ legal strategies and objectives, help secure effective, low or pro bono outside counsel, and ensure that legal tactics are part of a well-integrated campaign strategy.
- Help to ensure that Sierra Club litigation furthers the principles of equity, inclusion, and justice, consistent with the Jemez Principles.
- Ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement of clients, partners, and front-line community groups and individuals in a way that demonstrates humility, patience, and respect.
- Assist in litigating cases aligned with national priority campaigns (during the second year).
- Work under the supervision and mentorship of senior and staff attorneys to advance the goals of the national priority campaigns.
Benefits
- medical, dental, and vision coverage
- a retirement savings 401(k) plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
