Earthjustice is now accepting applications for up to three Staff Attorneys to join our growing team of lawyers who work to advance clean energy across the country and accelerate a shift from dirty fossil fuels. The position will focus on litigation and legal advocacy before regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state public utility commissions, and in the courts, in support of a transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The work will include combatting the rush to gas-fired generation that threatens progress toward a clean energy future. Two of the staff attorney roles will focus on advocacy before FERC and regional transmission organizations/independent system operators (RTO/ISOs) and one of the positions will focus on advocacy before public utility commissions.
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, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, Chicago, and Washington, DC.
Earthjustice has a longstanding track record of success with our litigation and advocacy to reduce dependence on dirty fossil fuels and increase reliance on clean energy resources. We see an unparalleled opportunity to hasten a shift away from fossil fuels; achieve major, enduring reductions in carbon pollution; and secure a cleaner, smarter, more equitable electric grid. The Staff Attorney positions will be part of our increased effort to advocate for policies and regulatory decisions that support a swift transition to a modern, sustainable energy system and, in particular, deter unneeded investment in gas generation that could lock in reliance on fossil fuels for decades to come. In this role, the Staff Attorneys will work to secure and defend rule reforms that eliminate market barriers to clean energy, to challenge ill-conceived rules that subsidize fossil fuel-fired generation and/or threaten to shut clean energy out of the markets, and to steer public utility spending away from new and existing fossil fuel generation and towards clean energy resources.
The positions will be housed in either our Clean Energy Program (click
hereto learn more), or our Coal Program (click
here to learn more). The Staff Attorneys will work closely with both the Clean Energy and the Coal Programs.
There is a strong preference that the positions be based in our Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, PA; or Chicago, IL offices.
Responsibilities
- Track tariff, rate, resource planning and/or rule proposals in either utility commissions or regional energy markets and at FERC.
- Conduct legal advocacy before utility commissions and/or wholesale electricity market operators and FERC.
- Develop cases in a strategic fashion to support program goals.
- Litigate cases from beginning to end, performing all aspects of litigation.
- Collaborate with and oversee the work of technical experts.
- Supervise the work of and mentor Associate Attorneys and Litigation Assistants.
- Collaborate and manage relationships with co-counsel, clients, and coalition partners.
- Serve as spokesperson for Earthjustice, clients, and partners.
- Help develop and execute effective media strategies.
- Work effectively with other departments within Earthjustice, including Communications. Development, and Policy and Legislation.
Requirements
- Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.
- A minimum of six years of litigation experience.
- Admitted, or willing to apply for admission, to the state bar in the office where they would be located.
- Knowledge of, and experience in, energy law is strongly preferred.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Initiative, good judgment, and a strong work ethic.
- Proficient at working with technical experts.
- Ability to manage a litigation docket effectively, lead a litigation team, and work independently and collaboratively with colleagues and partner organizations.
- Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community-based or other grassroots groups interested in energy litigation and other advocacy
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances and presentations.
- Commitment to serving the public interest.
- Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
- Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce and culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
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.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- Resume.
- One to two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) Why you are drawn to this position and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; (2) Aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues; (3) Whether you have a preference between the position focused on FERC and RTO/ISO advocacy or the position focused on public utility commission advocacy; and (4) Whether you have a preference between being located in Washington DC, Philadelphia, or Chicago.
- Writing sample that reflects your own legal analysis and writing (i.e., not jointly written with or edited by other people).
- List of three references.
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.
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