The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position, with potential for extension. The Associate Attorney program is designed to help attorneys who are in the early stages of their careers to develop into 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 a Senior Attorney or Managing Attorney. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations.

The role is based in Washington, DC (in-office), Seattle, Washington (in-office), or Montana (remote). Due to covid-19, Earthjustice staff are currently working remotely from approved locations through September 7, 2021.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Senior Attorneys, the Managing Attorney, and clients to investigate, develop, and litigate cases.
• Participate in the full range of tasks involved in complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, discovery, briefing, witness preparation, and oral advocacy.
• Engage in proceedings before state and federal courts and administrative tribunals.
• Interact with clients, coalition partners, and experts, and learn how to handle press work.
• Hire and supervise law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks.

Qualifications

• Law school graduates who are admitted, or willing to apply for admission, to the state bar where they are located.
• Up to four years of litigation experience.
• 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 both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Willingness to travel as needed for docket management.
• Commitment to serving the public interest.
• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.