Associate Attorney, Clean Energy Program

Earthjustice seeks an Associate 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 Associate Attorney position is a three-year position, with the potential for an extension, designed to help attorneys who are in the early stages of their careers 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. For this position, the Associate Attorney will report directly to the Deputy Managing Attorney, but work throughout their tenure under the supervision of other attorneys within the clean energy program. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations.

The level of duties and responsibilities for an Associate Attorney will vary depending on experience. However, among other responsibilities, the Associate should be able to:

• Work closely with other program staff and clients to investigate, develop, and litigate cases.
• Participate in the full range of tasks involved in litigation and regulatory advocacy, including factual and legal research; discovery; drafting briefs, comments, petitions, and other filings; and oral advocacy.
• Engage in proceedings or other advocacy opportunities before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy, and other administrative tribunals or agencies.
• Appear in federal courts under the supervision of a more senior attorney.
• Participate in cultivating relationships with new clients, allies, and coalition partners.
• Interact with clients, coalition partners, and experts, and learn how to handle media work.
• Integrate communications and legislative advocacy into litigation and other legal strategies.
• Participate in the hiring process and supervise law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks.
• Support efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

• Law school graduates who are admitted to the relevant state bar to their location.
• 0-2 years of post-graduate litigation, legal, and/or clerkship experience.
• Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and initiative, and sound yet creative judgment.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Commitment to serving the public interest and a strong desire to fight for a just and equitable clean energy future.
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Willingness to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• Willingness to contribute to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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.

Salary depends on experience and location.
Salary range in Washington, D.C. (preferred) or Chicago, IL: $101,800 - $111,200 annually
Salary range in New York City, NY or San Francisco, CA: $107,200 - $117,000 annually

Interested candidates should submit via Jobvite by April 13:

• Resume.
• One or two page cover letter explaining your interest in this position, what life experiences draw you to Earthjustice’s mission, and/or the skills you would bring to it. Please also indicate the Earthjustice office location(s) where you would prefer to work.
• Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that primarily reflects your work.
• List of three references.

For this position, we are looking to hire a candidate that is available to start in June 2025. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by April 13, 2025. After that, applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Earthjustice brings our associate attorneys on board on a quarterly schedule during the months of January, April, June and September.

Please reach out to [email protected] 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.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

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