Senior Attorney, Northeast Regional

Earthjustice’s Northeast Regional Office based in New York City seeks a Senior Attorney to join us in using the power of the law to address climate change, protect public health and ensure a healthy environment for all. The position will be located in New York City.

Earthjustice is the nation’s leading environmental law organization. Wielding the power of law, Earthjustice partners with our clients to take on the most critical fights of our time — fights to protect the incredible biodiversity and wild places of the planet; to avert climate disaster by transitioning society away from fossil fuels toward clean energy; to safeguard the right of all people to a healthy environment. 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, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

Earthjustice’s Northeast Regional Team is based in New York City. The office engages in state and federal litigation and administrative advocacy to address climate change; promote a transition to zero emission energy sources; advocate for decarbonization across multiple sectors; and ensure safe drinking water, clean air and healthy and vibrant communities. A significant focus of our work is preventing environmental harms to disproportionately impacted communities of color, and low-income communities. For more information on the Northeast Regional Office’s work visit: Northeast Office - Earthjustice

We expect the Senior Attorney we hire for this position to play a leading role developing and litigating cases. The Senior Attorney also will play an integral part in shaping the Northeast Office’s strategic plan and advancing our regional mission. The attorney will support NERO’s efforts to build strong partnerships with local community groups. All Senior Attorneys engage in mentoring and professional development of our less experienced attorneys and staff.

This is a hybrid position that requires two days per week in the New York City office.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients, other attorneys, experts and partners to investigate, develop, and litigate cases in a strategic fashion.
• Collaborate in team problem solving, litigation strategy, project management and trial work.
• Lead complex cases and the full range of litigation tasks, including factual investigation, legal research, discovery, briefing, witness preparation, trials, and oral advocacy, and otherwise manage new and existing cases in state or federal courts and administrative tribunals from beginning to end.
• Supervise and mentor associate attorneys, interns, and litigation assistants, including by building their litigation skills in the course of legal advocacy.
• Cultivate new allies and engage in partnerships with, and representation of, Tribal entities, community groups, workers, organizations, coalitions, and others.
• Support and contribute to a positive, respectful, supportive, and collegial work environment and help to advance Earthjustice’s efforts to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that centers around equity and justice.
• Serve as a spokesperson for Earthjustice, clients, and partners.
• Help develop and execute effective media and, where appropriate, legislative strategies.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues throughout Earthjustice, including Litigation, Communications, Development, and Policy and Legislation

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Admitted to or willing to apply for admission to New York bar;
• At least eight years of litigation experience;
• Excellent litigation skills, including proven legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills, and ability to manage a litigation docket effectively;
• Knowledge of, and experience in environmental and administrative law is preferred but not required;
• Experience with advocacy at state or local level a plus;
• Strong skills in communicating litigation and advocacy goals and messages to the media;
• Ability to manage a litigation and advocacy docket effectively, lead litigation and advocacy teams, and work independently where necessary.
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community-based or other grassroots groups.
• Strong and demonstrated initiative, good judgment, creativity, and work ethic;
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, and presentations;
• Commitment to serving the public interest, and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission;
• Willingness and ability to effectively supervise and intentionally mentor early career staff in connection with litigation and advocacy projects, and to help foster an inclusive and nurturing work environment;

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. We also offer a congenial, flexible, hybrid work environment and a casual dress code. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Salary is based on number of years of litigation experience and location.Salary range in New York City - $179,000+

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit via Jobvite:

• Resume
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and utilizing litigation and advocacy to achieve that mission; and (2) aspects of your background and experience that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues.
• Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that primarily reflects your work.

Preference will be given to internal candidates who apply by June 1, 2025. After that, applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For litigators and advocates committed to saving the planet and the people who depend on it, Senior Attorney at Earthjustice is the best job on the planet. Learn more about our Senior Attorney careers and work online here: https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/senior-attorney

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 given 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.

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