Earthjustice seeks a Senior Attorney to join our team of lawyers who work to accelerate a shift from coal- and gas-fired electricity generation, to advance clean energy throughout the country, and to address the toxic legacy of fossil fuel combustion. The Senior Attorney will focus on litigation, advocacy and strategy before administrative bodies and courts in support of an equitable transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The work will include a focus on ensuring that the coal industry addresses toxic coal waste polluting our environment and jeopardizing human health.

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; advocating for the closure of coal-fired power plants; opposing efforts to build new gas-fired power plants; and advocating for the cleanup of coal waste. We represent and partner with diverse clients individually and as part of coalitions.

The Senior Attorney role will focus primarily on litigation and advocacy strategies to ensure that the coal industry is held accountable for cleaning up decades of coal waste contamination that jeopardizes human health and the environment. The Senior Attorney will also contribute to advancing other Clean Energy Program priorities.

It is preferred that this position be performed hybrid in one of Earthjustice’s offices, particularly one of the Clean Energy Program’s program offices (New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, or San Francisco). Remote candidates will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead complex climate and energy cases before administrative agencies, and state and federal courts, with a particular focus on administrative and enforcement actions involving coal ash management.
Lead litigation and advocacy efforts, and perform the full range of litigation tasks, including conducting factual investigations, developing legal theories, securing expert testimony, submitting comments, petitions, briefs, and oral arguments.
Collaborate in team problem solving, litigation strategy, and project management.
Prepare discovery, pleadings, testimony, cross-examination, briefs, and oral argument in state and federal regulatory proceedings and court proceedings.
Collaborate with and oversee the work of technical experts.
Work with our media and policy and legislation teams, as well as clients and partners, to leverage legal advocacy to obtain positive change and results.
Supervise and mentor Associate Attorneys, interns, and litigation assistants.
Collaborate and manage relationships with co-counsel, clients, and coalition partners to investigate, develop, and litigate cases.
Join other staff in long-term planning, strategy development, goal setting, and work plan management that advances Earthjustice’s work.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with new and diverse clients and other partner organizations.
Serve as spokesperson for Earthjustice, clients, and partners and help develop and execute effective media strategies.
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.

Qualifications

Law school graduate admitted, or eligible for admission to the applicable bar within 14 months of employment.
6+ years of litigation and legal advocacy experience, working both independently and in a coalition setting. Experience with administrative and environmental law, including enforcement, are preferred.
Licensed to practice law in the US jurisdiction in which the attorney will be located.
Ability to develop cases, manage a litigation docket effectively, lead a litigation team, and work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organizations.
Experience with environmental and administrative law, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, preferred.
Creativity, initiative, good judgment, and a strong work ethic.
Ability to work effectively with technical experts.
Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with others
Ability and willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, and presentations.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse set of clients and partner organizations.
Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Ability to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
Commitment to public interest work and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission, including a desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.

Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by experience level and location.

New York, NY & San Francisco, CA: $169,900 - $217,100

Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA & Washington, DC: $161,400 - $206,200

Philadelphia, PA: $152,900 - $195,400

Remote / Nationwide Range: $144,400 - $217,100

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

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a:

Resume.
One or two page cover letter that addresses (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and (2) relevant skills and experience.
Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that reflects your own work.

We are looking to hire a candidate that is available to start as soon as possible. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by January 14, 2026. After that, applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org 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, inclusion, 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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Senior Attorney, Clean Energy