The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the opportunity for extension. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations. 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 Associates work throughout their tenure under the supervision of a Senior Attorney or the Managing Attorney. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations.

Responsibilities 

Associate attorneys perform a range of litigation and advocacy-related tasks that can include:

• Work with the Tribal Partnerships team to develop and implement strategies for expanding Earthjustice’s ability and capacity to partner with and represent tribes and tribal communities.
• Participate in the full range of tasks involved in complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, discovery, briefing, and oral advocacy.
• Participate in cultivating new clients, allies, and coalition partners.
• Help to develop and execute effective media strategies.
• Integrate communications and legislative advocacy into litigation and other legal strategies.
• Work effectively with other departments within Earthjustice, including our communications, development, and policy and legislation departments.
• Participate in long-term planning, strategy development, goal-setting, and work plan management that advances a collective vision for Tribal Partnerships.
• Participate as an active member of a learning and mentorship culture, and engage with colleagues in manner that is respectful, professional, and supportive.
• Participate actively in efforts to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, and personally engage with colleagues, clients, and partners in a manner that is consistent with those efforts.
• Develop and participate in training and professional development opportunities appropriate to the role and the organization.