Associate Attorney, International Program

Earthjustice seeks an associate attorney to join our International Program.  The Associate Attorney will support and collaborate with our team of lawyers and scientists working to speed the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy in key countries around the world.   

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization.  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 around the world.  We partner with thousands of groups, 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.   

Like the environment itself, Earthjustice’s work transcends national borders.  Since 1991, our International Program has been partnering with organizations around the world to establish, strengthen, and enforce national and international legal protections for the environment and human health.  Drawing on deep experience in environmental, energy, and human rights law and litigation, we work with partners on foreign and international legal advocacy to reduce dependence on dirty fossil fuels and speed the transition to clean energy in Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Latin America, and elsewhere. Learn about some of the places where we work around the world. 

The associate attorney position is a three-year position with the opportunity for extension based on performance. Earthjustice’s associate attorney program is designed to help attorneys who are in the early stages of their careers develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates.  The International Program primarily works to support our partner organizations in public interest litigation and advocacy in various jurisdictions outside of the United States.  Associate attorneys in the International Program do not represent clients directly in litigation in these foreign jurisdictions but will have a broad exposure to different advocacy strategies and styles.  As associate attorneys gain experience, they gradually take on more independent responsibility but work throughout their tenure under the supervision of senior attorneys and the managing attorney.  Many associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations.  More about our associate attorney program can be found here.  

Responsibilities 

Associate attorneys in the International Program perform a range of tasks to support our partners’ litigation and advocacy strategies, including: 

• Conducting legal, policy, and factual research, often on issues of international and foreign law.
• Preparing memoranda in support of partner organization work in foreign jurisdictions.
• Reviewing and analyzing administrative records, scientific reports, policy research, and technical documents related to fossil fuel and clean energy infrastructure.
• Drafting motions, briefs, administrative comments, and other legal and factual documents in support of litigation or administrative proceedings.
• Working with partner organizations, lawyers, and experts from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and legal backgrounds.
• Participating in communications about our work, such as drafting blog posts or press releases.
• Hiring and supervising law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks.

 Qualifications 

• Law school graduate admitted to, or qualified and willing to apply for admission to, the California State Bar or the Bar in the state in which they will be located.
• 0-5 years of experience post law school.
• Experience or interest in issues related to fossil fuel extraction and infrastructure, energy law and policy, and climate change.
• 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 well in a team-oriented atmosphere.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Willingness to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid office setting combining in-office and remote work and, for a candidate not located in San Francisco, a willingness to travel to San Francisco periodically to work with the team.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of environmental and/or international law; experience working in a country other than the United States or learning about foreign or international legal systems; and professional fluency in a language other than English. 

We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits.  Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.  As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.  

Compensation is based on experience and location.  Most of the International Program team is based in San Francisco and we have a strong preference for the associate attorney to be in San Francisco where they can benefit from in-person mentorship and professional development.  Exceptional candidates who desire to work from another Earthjustice office location will also be considered. 

San Francisco, CA salary range: $94,900 – $131,900

*In the exceptional case a person is located elsewhere, the salary range will be based on experience and location