Associate Attorney, Washington DC Regional at Earthjustice

University of Delaware; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 121,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Mission-focused work environment

Job summary

A nonprofit environmental organization is looking for an Associate Attorney in their Washington, DC office. This role involves conducting legal advocacy and litigation to support environmental justice initiatives. Candidates must hold a Juris Doctorate, be admitted to the District of Columbia Bar, and have 0–3 years of post-law school experience. The position is hybrid, demanding both in-person attendance and a strong commitment to public interest work. A competitive salary range is offered, with excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required and admission to the District of Columbia Bar.
• 0–3 years post-law school legal experience, litigation experience preferred.
• Strong work ethic, initiative, and commitment to public interest work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal advocacy and litigation related to environmental justice.
• Support and collaborate with senior attorneys on various cases.
• Engage in legal research, case development, and client engagement.

Skills

Research and analytical skills

Excellent writing skills

Communication skills

Team-oriented work

Creativity

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Associate Attorney, Washington DC Regional

Earthjustice’s Washington, DC office seeks an Associate Attorney to conduct legal advocacy and litigation. The position requires 0–3 years of post‑law school legal experience.

The Associate Attorney will work on a three‑year program with opportunities for extension, playing a key role in public‑interest litigation focused on climate, clean air and water, energy transition, and environmental justice for vulnerable communities.

Hybrid Position: Based in our Washington DC office; requires regular in‑person attendance.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, develop, and prosecute administrative appeals and litigation, including factual investigation, legal research, case development, record review, client engagement, expert evidence development, motions practice, brief writing, oral and appellate advocacy.
• Work under the supervision of senior attorneys, handling cases for which you have primary responsibility and supporting senior attorneys on additional matters.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys and clients on case development and advocacy projects.
• Engage in tasks such as discovery, briefing, witness preparation, and oral advocacy.
• Support efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture.
• Participate in hiring and supervision of law students who work as interns or clerks.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate.
• Attorney admitted to, or eligible to apply for admission to, the District of Columbia Bar.
• 0–3 years of post‑law school legal experience; litigation experience preferred.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity.
• Ability to work constructively in a diverse, dynamic, and team‑oriented environment.
• Commitment to public interest work and passion for Earthjustice’s mission.
• Emotional intelligence and sensitivity to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, and presentations.

Compensation

Salary range in Washington, DC: $105,000 – $121,200.

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.

EEO Statement

Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. We are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants are given 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 unrelated to the position.