Litigation Assistant, Coal

Earthjustice is now accepting applications for a full-time Litigation Assistant to join the Coal Program and provide administrative and litigation support services to our team of lawyers and advocates who are working to reduce the U.S.’s dependence on coal-fired power and to promote clean energy in its stead. The position is available immediately and will be based in either our Philadelphia or Chicago office. Our ideal candidate would be available to start as soon as possible. We may hire 1-3 candidates for the role.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. 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, Juneau, Los Angeles, Tallahassee, Miami, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, Chicago, and Washington, DC.

The Coal Program uses hard-hitting litigation and administrative advocacy to work to end our nation’s reliance on dirty, expensive, and outdated coal-fired power, and to transform our country’s energy section into one that is clean, renewable, and modern. Our docket includes litigation to defend and strengthen stringent environmental standards for coal plants, lawsuits challenging government or industry failure to implement such standards, and challenges to utility proposals to spend hundreds of millions of dollars or more on aging coal plants rather than investing in clean energy. While most of our work is domestic, we also have a growing engagement on coal issues internationally. For more information about the Coal Program, please visit https://earthjustice.org/about/offices/coal.

Responsibilities:

The Litigation Assistant provides administrative and litigation support services for fourteen active Coal Program attorneys practicing in state and federal courts, in public service commissions, and in various administrative forums.  Tasks may include but are not limited to the following:

• Preparation and editing of documents for filing, including: proofreading, cite checking, bluebooking, formatting, producing tables of contents and authorities, assembling exhibit lists, etc.
• Filing and service of paper and electronic filings.
• Ensuring all court rules are being met.
• Creating, organizing, and maintaining case files and contacts.
• Computing and calendaring court deadlines.
• Assisting in the collection, processing, and review of incoming and outgoing discovery productions.
• Assisting attorneys with deposition and hearing preparation, including: organizing document binders, printing exhibits, creating exhibit lists, communicating with court reporters, etc.
• Supporting attorneys in gaining admission to courts, registration renewals, and creating and managing e-filing accounts.
• Drafting basic pleadings and other case-related documents under attorney supervision, including: case initiating documents, proposed orders, cover letters, FOIA requests, pro hac vice applications, etc.
• Communicating with courts, experts, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and government officials as requested or approved by attorneys.
• Tracking relevant dockets and issues related to the work of the Coal Program via the Federal Register, agency web sites, various distribution lists, media outlets, etc.
• Participating in conference calls and meetings when relevant to the position and/or assigned projects.
• Operating and performing minor trouble-shooting of all office equipment (copier, Stamps.com equipment, fax machines, etc.) and providing basic technical assistance to staff (word processing, e-mail software, etc.).
• Engaging in general operations management and administrative support (e.g., receiving packages, scanning mail, managing office supplies, taking notes, greeting visitors).
• Providing backup to Legal Practice Manager and Legal Practice Assistant.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Paralegal experience or training a plus.
• To qualify for Litigation Assistant II, at least three years of paralegal or legal assistant experience in a litigation setting, and experience with discovery management programs.
• Interest in and knowledge of environmental or social justice issues a plus.
• A can-do attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to high performance standards.
• Excellent computer and writing skills (word processing, databases and spreadsheets, Internet, etc.).
• The ability to organize, set priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and function calmly under pressure.
• The ability to work effectively with remote staff and to maintain confidential information.
• The ability to coordinate work flow and assignments with fellow Litigation Assistants in the Coal Program.
• Flexible, punctual, highly reliable, and available for occasional evening and weekend work.
• Ability to work for extended periods on the computer as needed to meet filing deadlines.
• A team player who will enthusiastically take on tasks that range from intellectually challenging to more mundane administrative work.
• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Commits and contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

Salary is based on experience and location.
Salary range in Chicago, IL: $58,300 - $64,800
Salary range in Philadelphia, PA: $55,300 - $61,400

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.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a:

• Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; and (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with a diverse group of colleagues and clients.
• Writing sample.
• List of three references.

Applications will 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, 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.