Associate Attorney, Clean Energy Program

Earthjustice•San Francisco, CA

75d•$110,500 - $123,300•Hybrid

About The Position

Earthjustice seeks an Associate Attorney with up to three years of litigation experience to join the Clean Energy Program and be based at our San Francisco headquarters. The Associate Attorney will support and collaborate with Earthjustice lawyers and analysts working in California to advance grid modernization, building decarbonization, and energy affordability. The Associate Attorney position will primarily involve advocacy before the California Public Utilities Commission and energy-related work before other state and local government entities to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in California. This work involves the development of legal and technical arguments, coalition building, and the use of media and other strategies to elevate issues of concern before key decision-makers. At Earthjustice, you will learn how to cultivate relationships with clients and allies and learn how to build coalitions. You'll learn how to be part of media campaigns from our Communications staff, and legislative advocacy from our Policy & Legislation experts. Finally, you will gain supervisory experience by hiring, supervising, and mentoring law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks. The duties and responsibilities for an Associate Attorney will vary depending on experience - as you gain experience, you will gradually take on more responsibility in your cases. 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 to engage on 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, Juneau, Los Angeles, Tallahassee, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Miami, Seattle, Bozeman, Chicago, Houston, and Washington, D.C. The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the potential for extension, designed to develop 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, Deputy Managing Attorneys, or the Managing Attorney. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations. This is a hybrid position based at our San Francisco headquarters and requires regular in-person attendance.

Requirements

Law school graduate with 0-3 years of legal experience and admitted to, or willing and eligible to apply for admission to, the California State Bar.
A demonstrated interest in clean energy litigation and practice before public utility commissions.
Excellent research, analytic, writing and communication skills.
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, including a desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.
Emotional intelligence and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals associated with diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
Strong 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.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well collegially.
Commitment to serving the public interest and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.
Ability and desire to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

Nice To Haves

Legal or non-legal experience supporting communities working to overcome injustice a plus.

Responsibilities

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 litigation and administrative advocacy, including conducting legal and factual research and preparing memoranda on issues related to ongoing or potential new cases.
Reviewing and analyzing administrative records and technical documents.
Working with expert witnesses to develop testimony.
Participating in proceedings before federal and state courts and agencies. Complex energy litigation will include discovery, motion practice, briefing, preparation and cross-examination of expert witnesses, negotiations, and oral advocacy.
Participating in cultivating relationships with new clients, allies, and coalition partners.
Integrating communications and legislative advocacy into litigation and other legal strategies.
Supporting efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
Representing Earthjustice at remote and in-person meetings with clients, partners, co-counsel, and experts.
Working with policy advocates to lobby appointed and elected officials.
Developing skills required to serve as spokesperson in media.
Participating in hiring and supervision of student law clerks and externs.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive.
We also offer a congenial, flexible, hybrid 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.

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