Senior Environmental Appeals Counsel (2-Year Term)

Earthjustice; Anchorage (AK); Hybrid; USD 162,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Earthjustice seeks a Special Counsel to join our Enforcement Team to focus on legal issues arising in citizen suits under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. The role involves tracking litigation, drafting amicus briefs, and advising trial teams on appellate strategy.

The position is a two-year term with possible extensions and requires a hybrid in-office schedule from Earthjustice’s offices.

Qualifications

• J.D. and admitted or willing to seek admission to practice law wherever located.
• At least 7 years of legal experience, with substantial experience as lead drafter of appellate briefs.
• Appellate argument experience and a state or federal appellate clerkship are strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with constitutional litigation and an interest in environmental litigation. Enforcement experience is not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop processes to track ongoing citizen suit litigation to identify cases of interest.
• Draft amicus briefs in citizen suit appeals in collaboration with partner organizations.
• Advise trial teams on case strategy, issue preservation, and record development for appellate review.
• Provide capacity to serve as counsel in appeals of citizen suit cases, including substantive motions practice in district court.
• Work with the Strategic Legal Advocacy Program to deepen capacity to address constitutional challenges to citizen suits.

Skills

Appellate briefing

Legal research

Collaboration

Clerkship experience

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Earthjustice seeks a Special Counsel to join our Enforcement Team to focus on legal issues arising in citizen suits under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. The role involves tracking litigation, drafting amicus briefs, and advising trial teams on appellate strategy.

The position is a two-year term with possible extensions and requires a hybrid in-office schedule from Earthjustice’s offices.