Plastics Pollution Enforcement Attorney

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, seeks a purpose-driven civil litigation attorney to work on cutting-edge environmental law issues, focusing on plastic pollution enforcement on behalf of the People of the State of California.

The role requires experience in California state court and federal court, handling all phases of litigation, including discovery, depositions, and dispositive motions, with a track record of jury verdicts preferred.

Qualifications

• Significant civil litigation experience in federal or state courts.
• Strong environmental law background preferred.
• Ability to work under deadlines, independently and in teams; strong litigation planning and case management skills.

Responsibilities

• Litigate environmental matters in state and federal courts.
• Investigate claims, manage discovery, depose witnesses, and respond to dispositive motions.
• Coordinate with District Attorney offices and provide ongoing legal advice to the Attorney General and state agencies.
• Contribute to policy development and enforcement on plastics pollution enforcement matters.

Skills

Civil litigation

Environmental law

Oral advocacy

Research and writing

Teamwork

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

The Environmental Justice and Protection Section of the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, is looking for a purpose-driven, highly experienced civil litigation attorney to work on some of the most challenging and cutting-edge issues in the field of environmental law on behalf of the People of the State of California. We are seeking exceptional and motivated candidates for an opening in our section working primarily on plastic pollution enforcement matters, including representing the Attorney General in complex litigation in state court addressing the plastic pollution crisis in California.

The section is seeking experienced civil litigators who are familiar with practicing in California state court and federal court through all phases of a case, including trial. Experience investigating claims, propounding and responding to written discovery, taking and defending percipient and expert witness depositions, and responding to dispositive motions is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have taken cases to a jury verdict and be familiar with the California Code of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

While the focus of this position will primarily be on plastics pollution enforcement, the Environmental Justice and Protection Section handles a broad range of significant environmental matters on behalf of the Attorney General and the State of California. Attorneys in the section practice in an array of state and federal laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act, the Hazardous Waste Control Law, the California Endangered Species Act, Proposition 65, and the Unfair Competition Law, as well as federal laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Federal Power Act, the federal Endangered Species Act, and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Attorneys in the section use these laws to address existing and future pollution, mitigate the dangers posed by climate change, pursue equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens in communities, provide information on exposures to toxic chemicals, and reduce health impacts from environmental and other exposures.

The Environmental Justice and Protection Section utilizes the Attorney General’s broad statutory and common law enforcement authority to participate in local, state, and federal agency decision making, and to litigate complex environmental matters through all phases of state and federal courts, representing the Attorney General in his independent capacity. Duties include but are not limited to: conducting difficult environmental investigations on behalf of the Attorney General; close coordination with District Attorney Offices, including joint prosecutions of both civil and criminal environmental cases; and providing legal advice on an ongoing basis to the Attorney General and, as needed, to California state agencies.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Minimum Requirements

• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV
• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III
• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL V

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Candidates should have significant civil litigation experience in federal or state courts. A proven and significant interest in Environmental law background is highly desirable. Candidates should be able to work under tight deadlines and pressure, work independently and in a team setting, and have a demonstrated ability and experience in developing litigation plans, and managing complex legal matters. Candidates should possess excellent research and writing skills, as well as skill in oral advocacy and negotiations. Candidates should be well organized and detail oriented, have a positive attitude, be a team player, and have an excellent work ethic. Candidates should be highly motivated to work in the area of environmental law on behalf of the Attorney General and the State.