Senior Attorney, Clean Energy Program

Earthjustice

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer. Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program (CEP) is comprised of more than 50 attorneys and professional staff, based in locations across the country. The Clean Energy Program litigates and advocates across the country to secure a clean and equitable electricity grid, cut power sector emissions and hold polluters accountable, and electrify our building and transportation sectors. Specifically, we work before public utility commissions, in the courts, at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal and state agencies, to end our nation’s reliance on dirty, expensive, and outdated coal-fired power; clean up toxic coal ash; stop a rush to build new gas generation and cut existing gas use; scale and increase access to clean energy resources; advance electrification; and build a more equitable energy system. Position Summary Earthjustice is looking for a collaborative and experienced Senior Attorney to join a team of FERC and DOE practitioners within the Clean Energy Program. This attorney will help the FERC/DOE team navigate thorny appellate litigation issues— such as justiciability concerns, remedies, and interpretation of statutes, regulations, and tariffs— that affect our clients’ ability to vindicate their rights. This attorney is expected to provide research and to advise FERC/DOE case teams on a variety of appellate matters ranging from brief structure and argument framing to litigation strategies and novel or difficult legal issues that arise during litigation. Aside from direct litigation, this role will develop subject matter expertise in FERC-jurisdictional matters for a region and/or topic area (e.g.. electric transmission regulations and processes) and help the FERC/DOE team remain current on legal developments that impact FERC/DOE litigation and advocacy. The attorney will also coordinate with Earthjustice’s Strategic Legal Advocacy team on matters that cross over with FERC/DOE litigation and advocacy. This is a non-supervisory position, and the Senior Attorney is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule and may work hybrid from the following locations: Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.

Requirements

A minimum of 7 years of legal experience preferred, with a strong preference for candidates with a state or federal appellate clerkship
Substantial experience leading the drafting of appellate briefs
Experience arguing cases before appellate courts strongly preferred
Experience coordinating large litigation teams, client groups, or coalitions strongly preferred
A deep familiarity with, and demonstrated interest in, administrative law, including relevant constitutional law doctrines
An interest in environmental and energy law and litigation
Superior legal research, brief writing, and oral advocacy skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain partnerships, understand and influence stakeholders, listen to and learn from others, and motivate and inspire peers
Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership.
Skill in leading diverse teams with emotional intelligence and cultural competence; fosters growth through mentorship, effective communication, and constructive feedback while hiring and developing team talents to align with organizational needs.

Nice To Haves

a state or federal appellate clerkship
Experience arguing cases before appellate courts
Experience coordinating large litigation teams, client groups, or coalitions

Responsibilities

Serve as a partner and resource to the DOE/FERC case teams who encounter difficult, novel, or important legal issues with consequences for future Earthjustice litigation, such as by reviewing drafts; providing drafting assistance; being a moot court judge; or serving as lead counsel on cases or amicus briefs
Track developments in federal and state courts that impact Earthjustice’s ability to successfully litigate FERC and DOE-jurisdictional claims and develop responses and, where appropriate, organizational best practices, to counter negative developments
Develop toolkit of appellate litigation best practices, including practices that attorneys should implement when developing a record in the administrative forum
Develop and maintain subject matter expertise in either a region and/or specific area of energy regulatory law that is relevant to Earthjustice’s mission
Track and apprise Earthjustice attorneys of developments related to your assigned region and/or subject matter area
Provide advocacy and litigation support to Earthjustice’s clients, coalition partners, and Regional Offices on proceedings related to your assigned region and/or subject matter area
Actively pursue professional development and contribute to a culture of learning by building skills and sharing knowledge