Senior Environmental Enforcement Litigator

NACBA; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 187,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

Earthjustice is seeking a collaborative and experienced litigator to join our enforcement group as a Senior Attorney. The Senior Attorney will shape enforcement strategy, lead federal enforcement cases, and work across offices to build a robust enforcement program.

This hybrid role requires two days per week in an Earthjustice office, with opportunities to develop cases nationwide on behalf of communities affected by environmental harm. Salary varies by location and experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.
• Admitted or willing to seek admission to practice law wherever located.
• At least eight years of experience litigating complex matters, including e-discovery and trial experience.
• A background in federal environmental enforcement litigation is strongly preferred.
• Ability to develop cases, manage a litigation docket effectively, and lead a litigation team.
• Ability to work effectively with technical experts.
• Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain coalitions and partnerships, understand and influence stakeholders, listen to and learn from others, and motivate and inspire coworkers.
• Experience mentoring and training others.
• A network of relevant professional relationships that can be drawn on to help the enforcement program achieve its goals.
• Commitment to public interest work and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.
• Excellent emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and cultural humility.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Willingness to travel as needed for case work, court appearances, and presentations.
• Creativity, initiative, good judgment, and a strong work ethic.
• A positive attitude, a sense of humor, and a willingness to have fun.

Responsibilities

• Case development and litigation (60%): Work with clients, other attorneys, experts, and partners to investigate, develop, and pursue enforcement cases.
• Lead complex cases and conduct the full range of litigation tasks, including fact and expert discovery, motions practice, oral argument, and trial.
• Collaborate in team problem-solving, litigation strategy, project management, and trial work.
• Cultivate new allies and maintain effective working relationships with external partners, including Tribal entities, community groups, organizations, and coalitions.
• Building enforcement infrastructure (35%): Participate in strategic planning, prioritization, and establishment of metrics to advance enforcement efforts.
• Develop cross-cutting resources to support enforcement litigation.
• Train Earthjustice staff in enforcement strategies and litigation skills.
• Work directly with attorneys, paralegals, and litigation assistants in other Earthjustice programs and offices to provide hands-on training and mentoring in enforcement cases.
• External engagement and communications (5%): Work with colleagues at Earthjustice, clients, and partners to help develop and execute effective media and legislative strategies.
• With the support of Earthjustice’s communications team, engage journalists and thought leaders to advance our environmental enforcement and broader mission goals.

Skills

Research

Analytical skills

Writing

Communication

Mentoring

Coalitions & partnerships

Public interest ethos

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Admission to practice law (wherever located)

Job description

Earthjustice is seeking a collaborative and experienced litigator to join our enforcement group as a Senior Attorney. The Senior Attorney will shape enforcement strategy, lead federal enforcement cases, and work across offices to build a robust enforcement program.

This hybrid role requires two days per week in an Earthjustice office, with opportunities to develop cases nationwide on behalf of communities affected by environmental harm. Salary varies by location and experience.