Senior Counsel for Environmental Justice

About Southern Coalition for Social Justice

Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in August 2007 and works across the South. Our mission is to promote justice by partnering with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities to defend and advance their political, social, and economic rights. SCSJ’s focus areas are community-driven, and currently include voting rights, justice system reform, and environmental justice. Our model of practice requires team members who work well with grassroots organizations and in collaboration with other civil rights groups, and who have deep passion for and commitment to fighting for inclusive political participation.

For more information about our work and our unique community lawyering approach, visit our website at www.scsj.org.

SCSJ’s Environmental Justice Vision and Framework

SCSJ’s Environmental Justice program supports communities — especially low-income communities and communities of color — as they fight pollution, harmful development, and the impacts of climate change. Using a community-based lawyering approach, we provide long-term legal, research, and advocacy support that helps communities lead the fight for their health, environment, and future.

Position Summary 

The Senior Counsel for Environmental Justice will litigate cases, develop case strategies, advise clients, supervise junior attorneys and staff, and work with state and federal policymakers to improve environmental justice outcomes for communities across the South.

Responsibilities Include

• Litigating cases in state and federal courts, including developing and implementing case strategy, conducting legal and fact-finding research, drafting pleadings, briefs, and other documents, conducting discovery and depositions, and representing clients in court and administrative proceedings.
• Meeting with clients to ensure program projects and priorities are consistently responsive to community-driven need.
• Managing multidisciplinary matters, including developing and implementing project plans involving and leveraging SCSJ’s research and communications teams.
• Building SCSJ’s Environmental Justice program by combating community contamination, addressing zoning & land use issues, promoting energy equity, and advancing climate justice & resilience.
• Expanding and deepening Environmental Justice program’s network by attending community events and conferences related to environmental justice in the South.
• Supporting partner organizations and community-led coalitions.

Required Qualifications 

• A J.D. or L.L.M from an ABA-accredited law school
• Extensive experience (min. 5 years) serving as the primary attorney at all stages of litigation, including discovery, hearing, and trial preparation
• Excellent communication skills and experience fostering client relationships
• Extensive and effective settlement and negotiation experience
• Strong affinity and capability for mentoring newer attorneys
• Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic and sense of initiative
• A vision for the continued growth of SCSJ’s Environmental Justice program
• An unwavering commitment to SCSJ’s work and community-based lawyering model
• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle, as the position can involve frequent local travel.
• Admitted or eligible for admission to practice law in at least one state in SCSJ’s service region

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth familiarity with state and/or federal environmental statutes and regulatory implementation, including litigation experience, in one or more of the following subject areas:
• Clean air permitting and enforcement
• Water quality, water pollution, and/or water rights
• Utilities Commission proceedings and/or clean energy topics
• Tribal sovereignty issues
• Solid and hazardous waste management
• Common law property and environmental torts
• Zoning and land use or other urban policy or rural development education or experience
• Civil Rights
• Facility with e-discovery
• Appellate litigation experience
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, civil rights, and/or environmental justice work
• Spanish or other second language proficiency is a plus.

Duration and Start Date

This is a full-time position. Starting dates are negotiable. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary and Benefits 

The Senior Counsel for Environmental Justice starting salary is $95,000 per year, commensurate with experience and includes comprehensive health and retirement plans. 

Location

SCSJ’s physical office is in Durham, North Carolina. SCSJ is a hybrid work environment; staff are expected to work in our Durham office every Wednesday plus an additional day of their team’s choosing with remote flexibility on any of the other three days of the week. This position may involve travel throughout North Carolina and regionally across the South.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SCSJ is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, personal appearance, marital or family status, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, natural hair styles, or other status as protected by State and Federal laws. It is our intention to promote the full realization of equal opportunity in employment.

A Note to Historically Marginalized Job Candidates

Research has shown women, nonbinary individuals, people of color and other historically marginalized individuals often refrain from applying for positions unless they believe they fulfill each and every requirement outlined in a job description. However, it's crucial to recognize that meeting every criterion is seldom a reality for any applicant. Our commitment lies in cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment and prioritizing finding the most suitable candidate for the role — who we know may emerge from a less conventional background. We wholeheartedly urge you to submit your application, even if you feel you don't perfectly align with every specification outlined.

To Apply

Candidates must upload a resume, cover letter, references, and 1-2 writing samples through the application form here. Please label submissions with your first and last name. Please do not contact SCSJ team members directly.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.