Senior Attorney, Gulf

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 Gulf Regional Office works 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.

The Senior Attorney position is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and creative attorney to use their skills, the power of law, and the strength of partnership to help deliver meaningful results for the Gulf region. The Senior Attorney will have the opportunity to contribute to the strategic growth of our litigation and advocacy docket, support existing partners and cultivate new partnerships, while fighting for a healthy and just Gulf.

This position is located in the Gulf and supports the work throughout the Gulf region. The physical office is in Houston, Texas but applicants across the region are encouraged to apply. Because this work is regionally focused, applicants must be located and barred (or eligible to take a bar) in the region.

Responsibilities:

• Lead complex cases and perform the full range of litigation tasks, including factual investigation, legal research, discovery, briefing, witness preparation, trials, oral advocacy, and otherwise manage new and existing cases in state or federal courts and administrative tribunals from beginning to end.
• Develop cases and legal advocacy strategies, in coordination with clients, other attorneys, experts, and partners, to support the goals of the Gulf Regional Office and 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:

• Juris Doctorate required.
• Attorney admitted, or willing to apply for admission, to the Texas State Bar, Louisiana State Bar or Mississippi State Bar.
• 6+ years litigation experience and the ability to litigate cases from beginning to end, independently if necessary.
• Strong preference from some environmental litigation or administrative advocacy experience under the Clean Air Act.
• 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 Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana: $144,400+

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