Senior Attorney, Clean Energy (FERC)

Earthjustice is seeking a number of attorneys and advocates — see our opportunities here: http://www.earthjustice.org/jobs.

Earthjustice seeks a Senior Attorney in our federal energy regulatory practice, which involves litigation and legal advocacy before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), regional transmission organizations/independent system operators (RTO/ISOs), and federal appellate courts.

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 Clean Energy Program litigates and advocates in state and federal courts and before energy regulators across the country to advance an equitable clean energy transition. Our work includes expanding and increasing access to clean energy resources, including energy efficiency, solar, wind, demand response, and storage; advancing electrification; and opposing efforts to build new gas-fired power plants. We represent diverse clients individually and as part of coalitions.

The Senior Attorney role will reside in our Clean Energy Program’s FERC group, focusing on litigation and advocacy strategies at FERC, Department of Energy, and federal appellate courts to eliminate barriers to clean energy adoption in federally regulated wholesale power market; advocate for transmission planning, cost allocation, generator interconnection, and permitting reforms; and to secure RTO/ISOs policies and practices that support a transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

Candidates should have at least eight years of litigation and legal advocacy experience, working both independently and in a coalition setting, and a background in energy law is preferred.

This role is preferred out of our Washington, DC office, we may consider candidates interested in reporting to one of our following offices: Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; or Philadelphia, PA. Remote candidates will be considered and are subject to VP approval.

Responsibilities

• Monitors prospective capacity market auctions and changes to practices, policies, and tariff rules for each assigned Regional Transmission Organization or Independent System Operator (RTO/ISO), e.g., the New York Independent System Operator or NYISO.RTO/ISO and topic area.
• Develop and maintain expertise in assigned topic area (e.g., transmission planning, capacity markets, generator interconnection reforms).
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with new and diverse clients and other partner organizations.
• Work with clients, other attorneys, and partners to investigate, develop, and litigate cases.
• Lead litigation and advocacy efforts, and perform the full range of administrative and appellate litigation tasks, including securing expert testimony and executing comments, protests, requests for rehearing, petitions for appeal, briefs, and oral arguments.
• Work with our media, policy and legislation teams, as well as clients and partners, to leverage legal advocacy to obtain positive change and results.
• Supervise and mentor Associate Attorneys, interns, and litigation assistants.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Earthjustice team members across the organization.
• Develop new cases and advocacy strategies; conduct factual investigations; develop legal theories; draft pleadings and briefs; and otherwise manage new and existing cases.
• Collaborate in team problem solving, litigation strategy, and project management.
• Contribute to efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates difference.
• Develop cases and legal advocacy strategies, in coordination with clients, other attorneys, experts, and partners, to support the goals of Earthjustice’s strategic vision.
• Collaborate in team problem solving, litigation strategy, project management and trial work.
• Cultivate new allies and engage in partnerships with, and representation of, community groups, Tribal entities, workers, advocacy organizations and coalitions, and others.
• Help develop and execute effective communications and, where appropriate, legislative strategies and serve as a spokesperson for Earthjustice, clients, and partners.
• Supervise the work of Associate Attorneys, Interns, and Litigation Assistants, and train and mentor Associate Attorneys, including by building their skills in the course of legal advocacy.
• 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.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues throughout Earthjustice, including in the Litigation, Communications, Development, and Policy and Legislation departments.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities appropriate to the role and the organization.

Qualifications

• Law school graduate admitted, or willing to apply for admission, to the bar of DC (or wherever located), or willing and qualified to apply for and be admitted to the applicable bar within 14 months of employment.
• Attorney with 8+ years litigation experience and the ability to litigate cases from beginning to end, independently if necessary.
• At least three years of appellate litigation experiences, with energy law and National Environmental Policy Act experiences preferred.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Excellent litigation skills, including legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to develop cases and manage a litigation docket effectively.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with client partners and in leading a litigation team.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse set of clients and partner organizations in legal and advocacy work.
• Ability to work effectively with technical experts.
• Strong skills in communicating litigation and advocacy goals and messages to the media.
• Strong and demonstrated initiative, judgment, creativity, flexibility, and work ethic.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Ability and commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• 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.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed, including for case work, court appearances, and meetings with clients and partners.
• Commitment to serving the public interest and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.

Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by experience level and location.

Salary in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, CA & Chicago IL: $170,100+

• Salary in New York, NY & San Francisco, CA: $179,000+
• Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $161,100+
• Salary Remote in US (depending on location): $152,200+

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. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

For litigators and advocates committed to saving the planet and the people who depend on it, being a 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

To Apply:

• Interested candidates should submit via Jobvite: https://app.jobvite.com/j?cj=o8XkufwD&s=Idealist Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and utilizing litigation to achieve that mission; and (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues.
• Legal writing sample.
• Preference will be given to candidates who apply by October 20, 2024. After October 20, 2024, applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• 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.