Earthjustice’s new Gulf Regional Office will work across all three of Earthjustice’s core program areas—healthy communities, climate and energy, and lands, oceans and wildlife. In collaboration with our clients and partners, we will fight for clean air and water and to combat unjust pollution burdens; we will fight for an equitable clean energy transition and for climate solutions that work for everyone; and we will fight to protect the magnificent lands, waters and wildlife in the Gulf. Earthjustice has a significant body of work in the Gulf and this new office will expand our capacity in this critical region.
This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career attorney to join a growing team dedicated to delivering meaningful results for the Gulf region.
The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the opportunity for extension. Earthjustice’s Associate Attorney program is 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 but work throughout their tenure under the supervision of Senior Attorneys and the Managing Attorney. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations. More about our associate attorney program can be found here.
This position is located in the Gulf Region and supports the work in our three priority states of Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi throughout the Gulf region. The physical office is in Houston, Texas but applicants across the region are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
Associate attorneys perform a range of work, in partnership with senior attorneys and professional staff, to investigate, develop, and prosecute administrative appeals and litigation including: factual investigation, legal research, case development, record review, client engagement and development, expert evidence and witness development, motions practice and brief writing, oral advocacy, and appellate advocacy.
As associate attorneys gain experience, their case load may include cases for which they have primary responsibility under the supervision of a senior attorney, in addition to matters on which they work in a supporting role with senior attorneys. Specific responsibilities include:
Working closely with Earthjustice attorneys, scientists, professional staff, and clients to build cases and support policies that serve a diverse set of clients.
Participating in the full range of tasks involved in administrative advocacy and complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, memo writing, discovery, briefing, and oral advocacy.
Interacting with clients and work with experts to develop a clear understanding of the facts involved in each case.
Representing Earthjustice on telephone calls and at meetings with clients, partners, co-counsel, and experts.
Developing skills required to serve as spokesperson in media.
Assisting with hiring and supervision of student law clerks and externs.
Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate.
Attorney admitted to, or willing to apply for admission to, the Texas State Bar, Louisiana State Bar or Mississippi State Bar.
0-5 Years of post-law school legal experience.
Clean Air Act expertise is desired.
Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
Strong work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity.
Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.
Ability to work well independently and in a team-oriented atmosphere.
Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Ability and desire to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
High levels of emotional intelligence.
