Legal Fellow

About the Center for Coalfield Justice:

 

The Center for Coalfield Justice (CCJ) fights for coalfield communities through advocacy, education, and organizing. Our approach to working with area residents values their knowledge about the land, waterways, and communities. Our recognition of local expertise is grounded in the belief that people facing injustice directly are the most knowledgeable and should be leading the efforts toward justice. We blend organizing, communications, legal, and policy strategies to build power with and for residents across Washington and Greene Counties.

 

Our mission is to improve policy and regulations for the oversight of fossil fuel extraction and use, to educate, empower, and organize coalfield residents, and to protect public and environmental health.

 

Legal Fellow Role:

 

CCJ is looking for a bright, motivated, and organized legal fellow who is interested in working on environmental and social justice issues.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Advocacy Director by pulling and reviewing permits and applications that will affect CCJ’s service area.
• Conduct legal research on pertinent legal issues before CCJ and its members.
• Support the Advocacy team by preparing internal memos on the potential effects of fossil fuel development in CCJ’s service area.
• Help develop policy initiatives focused at the local government level to protect public health and the environment.
• Develop local zoning ordinance resource guide for Washington and Greene Counties.
• Work closely with partner organizations to build resources for community members to better understand local, state, and federal laws and policies.

Basic Qualifications:

•  CCJ is looking for either a PA Barred attorney or a JD Candidate currently working towards their desired degree.
• Currently enrolled or graduated from either an accredited law school or undergraduate program.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, including exceptional negotiating skills, and be able to confidently interact and present information to the CCJ leadership team.
• Must be team-oriented and have the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with a solution-oriented approach to legal and policy issues.
• Some knowledge of rural communities, particularly Washington and Greene Counties.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Good listening skills, and enjoys meeting new people.
• A commitment to CCJ’s mission.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and creatively with diverse people and organizations.
• Strong ability to work independently and part of a team, respects deadlines.
• Willingness to work flexible schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and occasionally long hours.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace tools (Drive, Docs, Sheets, GMail, etc).
• Willingness to develop additional skills.

Travel:

 

Fellows will work from our Washington, PA office and are eligible for hybrid work. 

 

Owning or regular access to an operating car is required, as is the willingness to travel and the ability to navigate cities and rural communities. Opportunities to travel across the country and state for training or conferences can be expected. CCJ provides mileage reimbursement at the federal rate and covers overnight lodging when working away from home. 

 

Compensation: 

 

The Fellowship position is a temporary, part-time or full-time, non-exempt position with a pay rate of $20.00/hr. 

 

Application Procedure:

 

Applications will be reviewed beginning May 8 and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for the fellowship is June 17. Please submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you want to participate in this fellowship and any other information that’s pertinent to your application.