Associate Attorney

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, supporters, individuals and communities to engage 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, Miami, Chicago, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, and Washington, DC.

Earthjustice’s Mid-Pacific regional office is seeking applicants for an Associate Attorney or Senior Associate Attorney.  Depending on the successful candidate’s years of experience, this position can either be an Associate Attorney or Senior Associate Attorney level.  The term for this position is three years. This position is located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Earthjustice’s Mid-Pacific regional office opened in 1988 to protect natural and cultural resources throughout Hawai‘i and the Mid-Pacific region.  The only non-profit environmental law firm in Hawai‘i, Earthjustice works with local and national groups to protect fragile marine and island ecosystems, restore water and cultural rights to native communities, promote clean energy, and address threats to health.

Responsibilities:

The level of duties and responsibilities for an Associate Attorney will vary depending on experience.  The Associate Attorney may have primary responsibility for some matters, but will generally work collaboratively with other Earthjustice attorneys.  The Associate Attorney should be able to:

• Conduct legal and factual research and prepare memoranda on issues relating to ongoing and potential litigation projects.
• Review and analyze a paper record and interview fact witnesses and scientific experts.
• Draft motions, briefs and other pleadings.
• Prepare comments on proposed agency actions, permits, and environmental review documents.
• Investigate facts and assist with case development.
• Assist in or take the lead in preparing a legal brief.
• Appear in court under the supervision of a more senior attorney.
• Interact with clients on a regular basis.
• Work with experts.
• Communicate with the news media.
• Hire and supervise law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks.
• Work closely with Staff Attorneys and clients to investigate, develop, and prosecute cases.
• Participate in the full range of tasks involved in complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research, discovery, briefing, witness preparation, and oral advocacy.

Qualifications:

• Law school graduate admitted, or willing to apply for admission, to the Hawai‘i State Bar.
• Preferably, one to five years of litigation or other relevant experience post-law school.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing and communication skills; familiarity with environmental and cultural issues in Hawai‘i is a plus.
• Strong self-motivation, solid work ethic, and sound judgment.
• Ability and willingness to work closely with others.
• Commitment to public interest work and the role of Earthjustice and its mission.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations; experience working with grassroots, disadvantaged, and/or culturally diverse communities is a plus.
• Ability to contribute to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Sound yet creative judgment, a sense of humor, and an ability to work well in a collegial setting.
• Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.

Associate Attorney Program

The Associate Attorney program is a three-year position.  This program is designed to help attorneys develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation.  Many Associate Attorneys have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice or with other public interest organizations.

We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Compensation is based on experience. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.

To Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit a: 

• One or two page cover letter that addresses why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s Mid-Pacific office. Please also describe any experiences you have working with people or communities who have been disproportionately affected by environmental harms or from backgrounds that differ from your own, and how you might apply those experiences at Earthjustice.
• Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that primarily reflects your work.
• Law school transcript (Unofficial is acceptable).
• List of three references. 

This position will remain open until filled, but applicants will maximize their ability to be considered if they apply by February 25, 2019.  

Interested candidates should submit requested documents online via the Jobvite system.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco:  Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles:  We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.