| Job Description: |
Earthjustice is the nation’s premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. 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 those who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment for all. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with thirteen offices across the U.S., including the Denver office.
Earthjustice’s senior attorneys are experienced attorneys who, on behalf of our clients, develop, file, and litigate cases that align with the goals and needs of the program or regional office in which they work. Attorneys in the Denver office handle a wide range of litigation arising primarily in the Intermountain West and Southwest. Our current docket focuses on: (1) protecting public lands and wildlife from fracking, mining, and other threats; (2) transitioning Colorado and Arizona from reliance on dirty fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy; and (3) defending disproportionately impacted and tribal communities from pollution and other environmental harm. The attorney selected for this position may contribute to the work in any of the three program areas, but in the near term can expect to focus on the development of litigation and advocacy to protect disproportionately impacted communities from toxic pollution and the effects of fossil fuel development and use, and to partner with communities on transitioning to a more equitable and sustainable transportation system. We compensate our senior attorneys based on their geography and years of legal experience.
Our practice increasingly emphasizes a mentorship culture for staff at all levels, and we expect that every senior attorney will help nurture the development of early career attorneys and other staff. Senior attorneys also supervise associate attorneys, fellows, and litigation assistants in connection with their work on particular projects and will be asked to serve as the formal supervisor for one or more team members.
The Rocky Mountain office is located in the heart of downtown Denver near the federal and state courthouses, public transportation, Coors Field (home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team), and the vibrant LoDo, RiNo, and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. We are also a bike-friendly office, located near many of Denver’s bike paths. We strive to produce the highest quality legal work in a diverse, inclusive, supportive, and collegial environment.
To learn more about the Denver office and our work, click here.
Responsibilities:
-Lead litigation efforts in federal district and appellate courts, state courts and administrative tribunals.
-Develop new cases in a strategic fashion; 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.
-Provide mentoring and supervision to more junior lawyers, interns and litigation assistants.
-Manage relationships with outside co-counsel, clients, and coalition partners.
-Integrate communications and legislative advocacy into litigation and other legal strategies.
-Contribute to efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences |
| Job Requirements: |
Qualifications:
-At least six years of litigation experience, with experience in the role of lead trial or appellate counsel.
-Proven research, analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
-Experience mentoring and supervising others.
-Ability to master new competencies as required to address client needs.
-Ability to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with others.
-Creativity, good judgment, and a strong work ethic.
-A commitment to public interest work and a passion for Earthjustice’s mission.
-Ability to travel as needed for case work, court appearances and presentations.
-An awareness of, and sensitivity to, the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
-Commitment to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
-Admitted, or willing to apply for admission within one year, to the Colorado bar.
-Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. |
